quarterly resource for local church elders t October 2005/march 2006

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 THIS ISSUE 60,000 COPIES

Contents
quarterly resource for local church elders t October 2DOS/march 2006

ELDER'S DIGEST

OCTOBER 2005 / MARCH 2006 EDITORIAL

VOL 12 NO. 1 Editor
fonas Arrais

Assistant Editor

Features
Mark Sigue

Ministerial Association Secretary

James A. Cress
YOUTH MINISTRY
Creative Director
THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD IS Tanya Holland

UPON ME
A FOUNDATION FOR THE MARKETING
STANDARD OF THE CHURCH
Publishing
HOW TO INVOLVE THE YOUTH IN Ministerial Association
General Conference of
THE CHURCH Seventh-day Adventists

COMPELLED BY MISSION Marketing Manager

Cathy Payne
TELL THE WORLD
MINISTRY TO THE AND DIVISION CONSULTANTS
TOUCH A HEART TELL THE WORLD
EAST-CENTRAL AFRICA
SPECIALIZING IN THE IMPOSSIBLE John Kakembo

LABORERS TOGETHER WITH GOD EURO-AFRICA

Bruno Vertallier
WHY LAY PREACHING?
EURO-ASIA
SABBATH SCHOOL WHERE IT CAME Pavel Khiminets
FROM AND WHERE IT'S GOING INTER-AMERICA
Hector Sanchez
46 STRANDED WITH GRIEF
NORTH AMERICA
49 THE CHURCH ELDER ACCORDING Russell Burrill

TO A MINISTER'S WIFE
Departments
NORTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC
Miguel Luna
50 THE SPIRITED MEETING
SOUTH AMERICA
53 REFLECTIONS FORA NEW YEAR Alejandro Bullon
3 EDITORIAL
56 WHICH VERSION OF THE BIBLE SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN
4 INTERVIEW Passmore Hachalinga
SHOULD I USE?
30 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS SOUTHERN ASIA
61 SPIRITUAL NATURE OF CHILDREN M. Wilson
32 SERMONS
SOUTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC
62 FROM PASTOR TO ELDERS Houtman Sinaga

SOUTH PACIFIC
Gary Webster

TRANS-EUROPEAN
Daniel Duda

WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
R. Danforth Francis

TO WRITERS: Articles about the work of the local elder

are welcomed and may be submitted to Elder's Digest,
12S01 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6516.
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Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

2 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

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 A New Horizon

It is a real joy to present the new Elder's Digest magazine. For We understand that you were called by Cod to accomplish a spe­
many years Pastor Joel Sarli, with wisdom and ability, prepared this cial assignment in His church. And you are doing your best for
helpful resource for local church leaders. We would like to express Him, because you love Him and understand the solemn times in
our gratitude for his ministry and vision. which we are living. For these reasons, you are working with pas­
sion to see Jesus coming soon. Can the church do something more
This special double issue includes the last quarter of 2005 and for you? We think so.
the first of 2006; however, Elder's Digest will continue as a quar­
terly resource magazine. As you can see, we feature a new design With this vision and understanding, we want to transform our
and format with the intent to provide more attractive and inter­ magazine to deliver more training, better support, and to become
esting material for our readers. Each magazine will contain an a more effective equipping tool for all elders in their multiple
interview, four sermons, questions and answers, articles written functions as partners in pastoral ministry. We firmly believe that
by different departmental leaders from the General Conference, if we set quality material in your hands, you will be able to serve
plus many other fascinating resources which feature the church's the church with more motivation and effectiveness. However, in
programs for local leaders. previous years, this magazine has been put in the hands of few
church elders.
We recognize the importance of elders in the local church.
Today, we have nearly 100,000 churches and compa- Our dream is to see that each local church elder around the world
— nies around the world, with more receives this magazine. Perhaps in some locations it will be nec­
than 200,000 local church essary to translate the magazine into the local languages while
leaders preaching, visiting, in others places, our church administrators will need to provide
and evangelizing. It is almost financial support to share this tool freely. In this way, church pas­
impossible to imagine the tors should serve an important role as facilitators and motivators.
church working effectively with­ None of these obstacles can keep us from visualizing this bright
out these volunteers. But what new horizon. What a challenge! With God on our side, we can
are you, church leaders, receiving reach these goals together.
from our church? As pastors and
members, we have a deep re­ We ask for your support as we transform this dream into reality.
spect, appreciation, and
gratitude for everything
you are doing to help
this ministry grow. But Jonas Arrais
is that enough? General Conference Associate Ministerial Secretary

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 ED: What is your definition of 3,500 Adventists who attended the Gener­
lifestyle? al Conference Session in Toronto, Canada,
CAH: Lifestyle is an ensemble of habits among which fifteen percent were from
that an individual puts into practice in South America. Analyzing the results, Dr.
his/her daily life, in such a way that it Handysides observed that church mem­
INTERVIEW: CARLOS ALBERTO HEIN
may cause the preservation of his/her bers are not practicing adequate physical
Pastor Carlos is a fourth generation Ad- health or for the cure of diseases. exercise and are not eating enough por­
ventist from Argentina. He is married to tions of fruits and vegetables. He conclud­
Graciela and has three children: Nancy, ED: What is the lifestyle indicated by ed that "Adventists should practice more
Billy, and Erwin. He worked with the the Adventist Church? what they preach."
missionary launch in the Amazon, Brazil, CAH: Since the nineteenth century,
between 1980-1984, and he also direct­ Adventists, encouraged by Ellen White, ED: Talk about the life expectancy
ed the Northeast Argentina Mission for have as an orientation the eight natural of Adventists compared to
many years. At the present time, he is the remedies: pure air, sunlight, abstemious­ non-Adventists.
Sabbath School and Personal Ministries ness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use CAH: From 1945 until July 1994, 236
Director at the Austral Union, Argentina. of water, and trust in divine power. studies and scientific researches were
Recently, he finished his doctorate in pas­ done in relation to the lifestyle of the
toral theology; the theme of his disserta­ ED: What are the main causes of Seventh-day Adventists in countries like
tion was "The Adventist Lifestyle." This is death in the world? the United States, Canada, Poland, Neth­
what he talks about with the readers of CAH: First of all, heart disease, followed erlands, Norway, and Spain. Life expec­
Elder's Digest. by cancer, obesity, and diabetes. One tancy has always been higher among
third of deaths are caused by cardiovas­ Adventists than non-Adventists. Observe
Elder Digest (ED): What made you cular diseases. Each year, nearly ten mil­ the following figures:
write about the Adventist lifestyle? lion people in the world develop some
Carlos A. Hein (CAM): I had the privilege kind of cancer, and approximately six Longevity of Adventist Women
Compared to Non-Adventlst
of working side by side with Graciela as million die. For the year 2020, fifteen
a missionary with the Adventist Com­ million new cases of cancer are fore­
munity Service Launches in the Ama­ seen. Since 1980, the number of obese
zon. There, I understood that we should adults has doubled. Today, eighteen mil­
teach the local people how to have a lion Americans suffer from diabetes.
better quality of life. Years later, work­
ing as a pastor in the city of Rosario, Ar­ ED: What are the main causes of
gentina, I accompanied two physicians these diseases?
D Non-Adventist i Adventist
from the National University of Rosario, CAH: Genetic predisposition, age,
who were doing comparative research race, and family history. These causes Longevity of Adventist Men
between the health of the Adventists and are reinforced by the lifestyle, particu­ Compared to Non-Adventlst
82.0
non-Adventists in that city. Unfortunate­ larly by physical inactivity, sedentarism,
ly, the research could not be done. It was poor diet, overweight, smoking, and
verified that although there were seven alcohol.
Adventist churches, only three members
followed a lifestyle different from the ED: Do Adventists practice a healthy
rest of the population. This fact bothered lifestyle?
me a lot, and I decided to do something
about it, so that my church could have a
CAH: In 2000, Dr. Allan Handysides,
director of the Health Department of the
>^\xs *x ^
D Adventist • Non-Adventist
better lifestyle. General Conference, fostered a study with

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

FD: Does the sun influence our happens with any machine built by men, it stimulates the circulation, which clears
disposition? inactivity wears the body out. Studies the mind; helps the digestion process;
CAH: It improves our disposition and show that inactivity exerts a higher risk and makes white blood cells circulate as
produces the sensation of well-being. of mortality than some diseases widely a means of defense against microorgan­
People who suffer deep and chronic feared, like diabetes, heart disease, and isms, thus increasing resistance against
depression should take every opportu­ smoking. A person with normal weight diseases.
nity available to get sunlight. Psychologi­ who does not exercise has the same
cally, sunlight strengthens the character, possibility of life expectancy as an over­ ED: How does trusting in God's
stimulates the production of endorphins weight person who does exercise. power bring therapeutic effects?
that cause the sensation of well-be­ CAH: Trust in God provides something
ing and neuromuscular relaxation. It ED: Is it possible to change eating more than the mere fundament of a phi­
has been proven that during the winter, habits? losophy. It is a structure for the entire life,
when there are entire days when the CAH: Eating is a voluntary and conscious including a recipe for physical health.
sun doesn't come out, the occurrence process, and therefore, teachable. It de­ Studies of scientific validity confirm that
of nervous depression increases. On the pends on a free decision by the individ­ prayer and faith in Cod are good prac­
other hand, sunlight relieves the pain of ual. Exchanging bad habits for healthier tices for a faster healing of the sick.
inflamed bone articulations. ones requires profound conviction.
The ideal diet recommended by most FD: What are the aspects that
ED: Give us your opinion about rest. health organizations is low in calories, worried you the most as you
CAH: The reposition of physical and high in fibers, and characterized by the studied this subject?
psychological energies spent during the regular consumption of vegetables, fruits, CAH: Basically, two things: the first is
day's activities can only be obtained and cereals. the myth that temperance is not eating
through rest. There is no drug or proce­ meat, ignoring the value of the bal­
dure that may substitute this disconnec­ ED: What are the principles of a anced use of the eight natural remedies;
tion of the conscience with the exterior healthy diet? and the second, which I also consider a
environment, during which the nervous CAH: They are simple: eat regular meals, cause, is to speak so little about the Ad-
cells recover their functional capacity use whole foods, and avoid empty calo­ ventist lifestyle. Forty-seven percent of
and develop physical and psychic vigor ries, fried foods, and fats. Obey the laws the people interviewed in the research
to the individual. The organism has been of a good diet as far as quantity, quality, mentioned that leaders preach, at most,
designed in such a way that it cannot balance, and suitability. Avoid the use of one sermon a year about health, and
function without adequate periods of rest. meat and excessive sugar. Eat a nutritious there is almost no stimulus or promotion
To keep an excellent level of health, it is breakfast in the morning and a light meal in their churches to follow healthy life­
necessary to balance activity with rest. at night. style principles.
This is the only way to restore body and
mind. Infections like pneumonia, flu, or ED: Is it really important to use water? ED: Why do you believe this subject
the common cold respond positively to CAH: All chemical and electrical reac­ is so important?
rest. Rest reanimates the body's defenses tions of the body are produced in a liquid CAH: If Adventists live the lifestyle pro­
and allows it to dominate the infections. environment. Water is used each time posed by God, the efficiency of the pas­
It also helps to cure wounds and traumas something is swallowed, a box is lifted, tors will be doubled and the work of the
like fractures and luxations. the back is scratched, a tennis racquet lay members will be multiplied 100 times.
is moved, or a letter is written. Water As a result, the work for this time will be
FD: Is physical exercise really makes the muscles, tendons, cartilages, concluded more rapidly. Therefore, we
indispensible ? and bones more flexible. Besides that, not only should teach the people the doc­
CAH: The human body is a machine de­ water as a purifying agent does more trines, but we should also help them to
signed for movement. Contrary to what than wash away sweat and perspiration: have a better quality of life. ©

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 hare it anytime
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Someone came to pay the price.
Someone came to save us—
Jesus, the Savior, the Promised One.
The MESSIAH.

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 A Brief History of Seventh-dav Adventist

Trudy J. Morgan-Cole

In its very earliest days, the Seventh-day sought God's help in meeting it. Many young people needed something of this
Adventist Church had no specific "youth lifelong Adventists are familiar with the kind as much as did those of other de­
ministry"; young people were as active story of 14-year-old Luther Warren and nominations. I proposed holding a young
and involved in the work of the church as 17-year-old Harry Fenner, who in 1879 people's meeting, but my proposal was
older ones were. Indeed, the original Ad­ knelt under a tree in their hometown of met with almost universal disapproval.
vent movement was very much a youth Hazelton, Michigan, to ask God's guid­ However, the elder, a saintly old man.
movement, led by people like James ance in how to win other young people . .placed his hand on my shoulder and
White, who began preaching at twenty- to Christ. Inspired by that prayer, the two said, 'My boy, you go right ahead. You
one, Ellen White, who received her first teenagers formed the church's first young may have the church for your meeting,
vision at age seventeen and John Lough- people's missionary band, with a charter and I will stand by you'"2
borough, who began preaching when membership of nine boys.
he was seventeen. These young people The Antigo young people's society had
needed no one to minister to them; they That Hazelton youth meeting, which 30 members, and their meetings were
themselves were the ministers, sharing included prayer, hymn-singing, election similar to the ones Luther Warren had
the exciting truths they had discovered of officers, a report on mission work organized in Hazelton. Along with
in God's Word. done, and an offering to purchase lit­ singing, Bible study, and prayer, there
erature, soon expanded into a young was time for personal testimonies. Par­
Soon after the Adventist Church was people's society that included both boys ticipation was wholehearted; MacGuire
organized and began to grow, people and girls. Their activities involved not recalled that there was intense disap­
recognized the need for a work specifi­ only religious services but such popular pointment if even one member failed
cally directed at young people. And from nineteenth-century social events as taffy to testify, but that this hardly ever hap­
those earliest days, the emphasis was on pulls, sleigh rides, and sugaring-off par­ pened. Reflecting on the success of that
youth who would be workers for God. ties. Though parents and other adults in early society and the initial reluctance
Ellen White's best-known statement the church became involved, leadership of the church to support it, he com­
about youth makes this emphasis quite was still very much in the hands of the mented: "I believe God restrained the
clear: "With such an army of workers as youth, particularly of young Luther War­ enemy because He wanted this work
our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, ren, who went on to a lifetime of youth to go forward, and the people were not
how soon the message of a crucified, ministry and evangelism within the Sev­ sufficiently in favor of it to stand by us if
risen, and soon-coming Savior might be enth-day Adventist Church. mistakes were made." 3
carried to the whole world!" 1 Ellen White
strongly advocated youth work within the A group similar to the Hazelton mission­ Within a few years of the formation of
church, but the work she envisioned was ary band was formed in 1891 in Antigo, the first young people's societies, similar
not one in which youth would be passive Wisconsin, by Meade MacGuire. Look­ groups sprang up in Adventist churches
recipients of adult-directed programs. ing back on the experience in later years, all over the United States. The first such
She foresaw a youth work in which youth MacGuire said," I was but a youth, and society outside North America was orga­
would be trained and equipped for evan­ had no one to counsel with, but I felt that nized in Adelaide, Australia, in 1892. El­
gel isticwork that they themselves would something ought to be done to help and len White encouraged the growth of Ad­
carry out—a true "army" to finish God's inspire the young people. I had never ventist youth ministries, and, like Meade
workin the world. heard of any young people's organiza­ MacGuire, she suggested as a model the
tion among our people, but acquain­ Christian Endeavour Society, a youth
Appropriately, the credit for actually tances of mine attended meetings of the organization active in many Protestant
starting Adventist youth ministry goes local Christian Endeavor Society and the churches on that time, which empha­
to two teenagers who felt a need and Epworth League, and I felt that our own sized missionary activity.

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

At the General Conference session in sionary Volunteers" or simply MV, this sionary Volunteer Department during
1901, the Seventh-day Adventist Church name served the denominational youth those same years. The JMV society, which
took the first steps towards organizing its work for many years and highlighted the in 1950 became the Pathfinder Club, was
youth ministry. A recommendation was emphasis on youth as active participants a tremendous success in attracting junior
passed to organize young people's soci­ in soul-winning. From that meeting also youth and helping them to become ac­
eties and form a committee to plan their came the resolution that "the primary tive in God's church. Today, the work of
organization; Luther Warren, at that time object of young people's societies is the the Pathfinder Club continues around
the most active youth worker in the Sev­ salvation and development of our youth the world, channeling the energies and
enth-day Adventist Church, chaired the by means of prayer, study, and personal interests of youth in their pre-teen and
committee. For the first time, youth min­ missionary effort." 5 early teenage years.
istry began to move forward at the de­
nominational level. The Sabbath School In the years immediately following the The first Seventh-day Adventist Youth
Department of the General Conference 1907 convention, Adventist young peo­ Congress was held in Germany in 1928,
was given responsibility for encouraging ple's societies sprang up in Africa, Tahiti, and was attended by three 3,000 youth
young people's work, and that respon­ Singapore, Fiji, Portugal, Bermuda, Ja­ and youth leaders from all over Europe.
sibility was enthusiastically taken up by pan, the Philippines, and Central Amer­ Twelve thousand youth attended a North
the department's secretary, Mrs. L. Flora ica. Missionary Volunteers were truly American youth congress in San Fran­
Plummer, another pioneer of Adventist becoming a worldwide army. Familiar cisco in 1947, and 6,000 youth from
youth ministry whose name deserves to elements of the Missionary Volunteer 25 countries gathered in Paris, France,
be remembered. By the summer of 1901, program, which older church members in 1951. As youth congresses grew and
the tireless Mrs. Plummer had contacted today will recall from their youth, began spread, the emphasis on youth sharing
church leaders all over the United States, during these early years. These included their faith with others remained constant.
"agitating the organization of young the Morning Watch devotional calendar, Today, youth rallies and conventions are
people's societies everywhere."4 When the Missionary Volunteer Leaflet Series, held all over the world at the local, na­
confronted with the fact that only three of the Reading Course, and the Bible Year tional, and international level, sometimes
the fifty conferences were able, or will­ reading plan. with special emphases such as Bible
ing, to appoint young people's secretar­ study, prayer, or drug-abuse prevention.
ies to be responsible for this work, Mrs. During these years, separate Junior MV Pathfinder camporees, also organized on
Plummer simply wrote to all the Sabbath societies for younger children also began every level from the local up to the inter­
school secretaries in the remaining forty- to spring up in Adventist churches around national, have become another effective
seven conferences and informed them the world. At first, the JMV societies were way of drawing Adventist youth together.
that until a youth secretary was chosen very similar in structure to the senior MV An amazing 22,000 young people gath­
in their conference, they would be re­ societies, incorporating a Junior Read­ ered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA, in
garded as leaders of the young people's ing Course and Junior Bible Year. But in August 1999 for the "Discover the Pow­
work. Her ploy worked, and the Sabbath the years following the first World War, er" Pathfinder camporee. For Adventist
school secretaries added youth work to many Adventist youth leaders became young people, especially for the many
their agendas. convinced that junior youth needed a who attend small churches and small
different approach. JMV societies began church schools in isolated communities,
By 1905 Adventist youth work was grow­ to include storytelling, hiking, camping, gatherings like camporees and youth ral­
ing, not just in the United States, but in arts, and crafts—a more "hands-on" ap­ lies do indeed help them to "Discover
Australia, Germany, England, Trinidad, proach to suit the more active learning the Power"—the power of the Holy Spirit
Jamaica, Canada, and other countries. style of juniors. Many leaders used the in their lives first and foremost, but also
In 1907, at the Sabbath school and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts program, as the power of belonging to a worldwide
young people's convention in Mount a pattern for these junior youth societies. movement of young people.
Vernon, Ohio, the name "Seventh-day This new direction in junior youth min­
Adventist Young People's Society of Mis­ istry naturally led to the development of Another aspect of Adventist youth work
sionary Volunteers" was chosen for the junior youth camps in the 1920s. The that has always been central to the move­
new youth department of the General Junior Missionary Volunteer society was ment is the publication of youth-oriented
Conference. Usually shortened to "Mis- formed as a separate branch of the Mis­ magazines. The Seventh-day Adventist

8 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2 OOi

Church has always been a church that The General Conference department re­
believes in the power of the printed
word, as evidenced by the avalanche of
sponsible for youth work changed its name
in 1978. The term "Missionary Volunteers" What dp
books and periodicals produced by our
publishing houses over the years. A paper
for young people, The Youth's Instructor,
was cherished by generations of Adventists,
but it carried unfortunate connotations in
some parts of the world. At a time when
Adventists
was being published long before Adven­
tist youth work was formally organized:
it was started by James White in 1852.
many countries had won their indepen­
dence from their former colonial masters,
the term "missionary" carried echoes of
believe?
It's the question every
For many years The Youth's Instructor centuries of colonial domination by West­
Adventist prays to be asked.
was the staple of Adventist youth work, ern nations. The more widely acceptable
Do you have an answer? How
aided by other materials such as the MV term "Youth Department" replaced the old
well do you know your faith?
Program Kit (renamed Youth Ministry Ac­ name. But the focus on service to God and
How would you best present
cent in 1975) and the Sabbath school others has not changed. Programs such the teachings of your church?
lesson quarterlies. as the college student missionary program,
which began in the 1950s, and the short- Seventh'day Adventists Believe
After 118 years, The Youth's Instructor term mission projects for high school and is a freshly edited declaration
was given a fresher, more contemporary college students that became so popular of the fundamental teach-
look in 1970, under the new title Insight. in the 1980s and 1990s, continue to give ings of the Adventist Church,
Insight magazine continues to minister young people the experience of serving including a NEW CHAPTER
to the high-school-aged youth of the God outside their own countries. Local dedicated to spiritual growth in
church, but it is no longer alone in the youth programs involve young people
Jesus and victory over demonic
influence through His victory
field of Adventist youth publications. in service and outreach within their own
on the cross. Whether you're a
In 1953 the junior Guide (now Guide communities in a variety of ways. The
ministry professional or a Chris-
magazine) was launched, "packed with "Missionary Volunteer" spirit marches on.
tian with a hunger for knowl-
stories, pictures, games, puzzles, camp-
edge, this 448 page book is an
craft, Junior Sabbath school lessons, and As youth leaders, we often focus so indispensable
interesting Pathfinder activity." 6 Guide much on the day-to-day aspects of our addition
has changed its appearance and format ministry— teaching the Sabbath school to your
many times over the intervening years,
but it still appeals to its target audi­
ence of 10-14-year-old readers, perhaps
lessons, planning the weekend retreat,
hosting the Saturday-night social—that
we lose sight of the "big picture." A
ltay- Believe
resource Sl'M

because it is still "packed" with many glance back at the long and proud his­
of the same features it advertised back tory of Seventh-day Adventist youth work
in 1953. helps put our work into perspective. And
the most important part of looking back
Seventh-day Adventist youth work has is recognizing that this youth ministry
grown so much and in so many ways has always been about leading youth
since Luther Warren and Harry Fenner to know Jesus, and then training them
first knelt together in 1879 that the move­ to share Him with others. We are still
ment we are a part of today would prob­ training that army of youth Ellen White
ably have astounded those first pioneers. dreamed about—and they are accom­
Let us hope, though, that it would not plishing His work. Through the Spirit's
have disappointed them. The focus of Ad­ power, they will soon finish it.©
ventist youth ministry—preparing youth 1. Ellen G. White, Education, p. 271.
2.Nathaniel Krum, T/ie MV Story (Washington,
for service in God's work—has remained DC: Review and Herald Publishing Association,
1963), pp. 11, 12.
the same in over a century of growth, and 3. Ibid., p. 12.
4. Ibid., p. 25.
is manifesting itself in new and exciting 5. "Report of Sabbath School and Young People's
Convention," p. 188. Quoted in Krum, p. 39.
ways each year. 6. Ibid., p. 65.

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 THE PIRIT OFTH
Dr. Peter Prime

No baby was ever conceived like Him; Does the decisive secret, then, lie in His to the blind, to set at liberty them that
no child ever grew up like Him; no knowledge of the Scriptures? There were are bruised. To preach the accept­
youth ever matured like Him; no adult others not only gifted in the Scriptures but able year of the Lord. And he closed
ever achieved like Him. Who is He? His writers themselves, and yet they pale in the book, and he gave it again to the
name is Jesus. No one was ever tempted significance before Him. The list of prob­ minister, and sat down. And the eyes
like Him; no one ever prayed like Him; able factors that may be identified as the of all them that were in the synagogue
no one ever taught like Him; no one ever decisive secret of the life of Jesus Christ were fastened on him. And he be­
obeyed like Him. Who is He? None other may go on without end, yet without com­ gan to say unto them, This day is this
but Jesus. No one ever healed diseases ing to the real truth. This supreme revela­ scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke
like Him; no one ever calmed the sea tion of Himself only Jesus is qualified to 4:13-21).
like Him; no one ever fed the crowds give, and give it He did so very plainly
like Him; no one ever forgave sins like and without fanfare and trumpets that all The preceding biblical reference does
Him. Who is He? The one and only Je­ may understand, and having understood, not merely detail WHAT the essence of
sus. No one ever loved like Him; no one may follow in His steps. the life and ministry of Jesus Christ was
ever lived like Him; no one ever died and still is all about, but also emphasiz­
like Him; and no one was ever resur­ The decisive secret, which He Himself es HOW the life and ministry of Christ
rected like Him. Who is He? Jesus and read from the Scriptures, is this: "The would both realize their complementa­
Jesus alone. No one ever ascended to Spirit of the Lord is upon me." The pow­ ry ends. The HOW is nothing less and
heaven like Him; no one will ever judge er of this affirmation is better appreciated nothing more than the Holy Spirit.
the world like Him; no one will return when it is viewed within its biblical set­
to claim His own like Him; no one will ting, which is as follows: Accordingly, Jesus Christ's absolutely
ever reign in glory like Him. Who is He? constant and perfect cooperation with
"Sir, thou knowest"; nonetheless, I will "And when the devil had ended all the the Holy Spirit, who filled Him without
tell you over and over again, His name is temptation, he departed from him for a measure (for Cod giveth not the Spirit by
the one and only Jesus. season. And Jesus returned in the power measure unto Him—John 3:34), consti­
of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went tutes the decisive secret of His perfect
What was the central cornerstone on out a fame of him through all the region life, perfect ministry, and perfect sacri­
which the whole life and ministry of Jesus round about. And he taught in their syn­ fice. The Scriptures assert:
was constructed? What made His life so agogues, being glorified of all. And he
sublime, so divine—the perfect model for came to Nazareth, where he had been "How much more shall the blood of
all humankind? Does the decisive secret brought up: and, as his custom was, he Christ, who through the eternal Spirit of­
of His life lie in His incarnation? If it were went into the synagogue on the sabbath fered himself without spot to God, purge
so, no human person could ever success­ day, and stood up for to read. And there your conscience from the dead works to
fully follow in His steps, for we are all was delivered unto him the book of the serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14).
"shapen in iniquity" and "in sin" did our prophet Esaias. And when he had opened
mothers conceive us (Psalm 51:5). Does the book, he found the place where it was Thus the two complementary compo­
the decisive secret lie in His fasting and written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, nents of Jesus' spotless life and flawless
praying for 40 days? Others beside Him because he hath anointed me to preach victory are (1) His perfect infilling with
have done similarly and yet, like John the the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to the Spirit, and (2) His perfect coopera­
Baptist, one of the tallest of them all, they heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliv­ tion wit the Spirit. Iterating His total com­
dared not untie the latchet of His shoes. erance to the captives, and recover sight mitment to the divine will, "Jesus saith

10 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2 006

GOD IS UPON ME

unto them, My meat is to do the will of commanding victory over the world, the to the threat of certain failure. Therefore,
him that sent me, and to finish his work" flesh, and the Devil, and His simultane­ Jesus and the Holy Spirit remained inextri­
(John 3:34). "Nevertheless not my will, ous fulfillment of His substitutionary role cably bound together. Never did the Holy
but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42). and function as the world's Redeemer; Spirit, the symbolic dove that descended
and it is likewise our only means of victo­ from above upon Him, ever desert Him,
Accordingly, He was more than delight­ rious Christian living. Plainly, there is just but rather He saw Him through to a sure
ed to announce in the opening ceremo­ no other, for all others are empty vanity and unassailable victory, a victory that is
nies of worship on the Sabbath day in and a vexation of spirit. ours to share.
the synagogue of Nazareth the prophetic
Oracle pertaining to Himself: "The Spirit A Christianity without the Spirit of Christ The Holy Spirit is very much available,
of the Lord is upon me ..." Consistently is nothing but a devious satanic device. but it will be given on request, sincere
His total life and public ministry with His A Christian without the Heavenly Dove request. Therefore, let us all together, the
teachings and miracles carried the insig­ can never enter the portals above. If we total leadership and membership alike of
nia "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me." are to enter our heavenly homeland, the this church body, on the threshold of the
Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, will have new millennium, embark on the largest
Accordingly, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount to take us there. The way of the Spirit, prayer-request program ever undertaken
did not bear His exclusive stamp, but that which is the way of the cross, is the only in quest of the most historic movement
of "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me." way that leads toward home, our sweet of the Holy Spirit ever encountered. This
Jesus gave orders to the apostles by the heavenly home. movement must equip us and success­
Holy Spirit (Acts 1:2). Similarly, His par­ fully prepare us and our communities for
abolic teaching bore this indelible em­ This Spirit is readily available to all, for the Second Coming of our Lord and Sav­
blem, as did every miracle. Confirming this was one of the principal reasons ior Jesus Christ.
the Holy Spirit as the divine instrument why Jesus Christ came. Successfully He
of His miracles, Jesus declared, "But if I came to win back for us our supernatural May each of us, like Jesus Christ our
cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then privilege of having the Holy Spirit in us Lord and Savior, be able to honestly say
the kingdom of God is come unto you" without measure. In this regard, John the from today on, "The Spirit of the Lord is
(Matthew 12:28). Baptist commented, "I indeed have bap­ upon me."
tized you with water: but he shall bap­
Finally, His sacrifice, His death and resur­ tize you with the Holy Ghost" (Mark 1:8). "Let the Holy Spirit be upon me is my
rection carried the selfsame stamp—"The Jesus endorsed how available the Holy earnest cry, for without the Holy Spirit
Spirit of the Lord is upon me." "How Spirit is when He declared, "If ye then, upon me I dare not live or die. Let me
much more shall the blood of Christ, who being evil, know how to give good gifts so live that the whole world may see
through the eternal Spirit offered himself unto your children, how much more shall that without a doubt the Holy Spirit is
without spot to God" (Hebrews 9:14). your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit upon me."®
"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Je­ to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:13).
sus from the dead dwell in you, he that This article is excerpted and adapted from the
raised up Christ from the dead shall also From the womb to the tomb, the Spirit of practical resource, The Spirit of the Lord Cod
quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit the Lord was upon Jesus. They never part­ is Upon Me: Introducing Holy Spirit Empha­
that dwelleth in you" (Romans 8:11). ed company, not even for a fleeting mo­ sis Week to Your Congregation by, Dr. Peter
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me" was ment; for Jesus to have done so would be J. Prime. The entire book is available for pur­
indeed the decisive secret of Jesus' totally to have exposed Himself and His mission chase at <www.ministerialassociation.com>.

O CTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 11

 Summary of the Biblical Teaching on with personal wealth, social position and

Ornamental Jewelry power, or religious function.

As we look back to the results of our bib­

lical inquiry into the subject of jewelry, 2. General Pejorative Attitude
Aneel Manuel Rodrieuez there are a number of things that could Biblical evidence clearly demonstrates
be said as we try to summarize the ma­ that overall, there is a pejorative attitude
jor concepts associated with it. This will toward jewelry in the Scriptures. We
provide for us the basis for the discus­ find God Himself asking His people to
sion on the meaning and implications of remove the ornaments from their bodies
those concepts for the church today. in the context of a call to re-commitment
to the Lord (Exod. 33:5, 6; cf. Gen. 35:2-
1. Diversity of Functions 4). This is also indicated by the prophetic
The biblical evidence indicates that jew­ indictment against almost all types of
elry was used and owned for multiple jewelry worn by both men and women
reasons and purposes that, in many (Isa. 3:18-21). The fact that the Israel­
cases, were complementary and ites removed their ornaments from Sinai
not necessarily mutually exclusive. onward suggests that early Israelites did
We consider this to be a significant not wear jewelry. Archaeological evi­
piece of evidence in our attempt dence indicates that such may have been
to understand the biblical attitude the case because, with rare exceptions,
toward jewelry because it forces excavations in early Israelite sites have
us to reconsider the idea that in uncovered very little jewelry and only of
general, the primary purpose of a poor quality.

A foundation for the

jewelry is personal ornamentation. Its This tendency to devaluate jewelry is
ornamental function is not to be de­ reflected in the fact that no mention is
nied, but its primary function made of it in cases and situations where
lies elsewhere. The beauty of we would expect reference to its use. For
the ornaments becomes a instance during the creation of Adam
vehicle to achieve a and Eve, and particularly after the Lord
more narrow and, dressed them (Gen. 3:21), there is no ex­
from the point plicit or implicit reference to ornaments.
of view of (he In Revelation 12:1, 2, a woman is used
wearer, a more as a symbol of God's people, but there is
meaningful a total absence of jewelry on her body.
or important Yet, the woman representing the enemies
purpose; for of God's people is described as loaded
instance, to with jewelry (Rev. 1 7:4). Moreover, in
press others total discontinuity with ancient Near
 Eastern practices, the Cod of Israel wears attitude toward the use of jewelry. Here tinctions, the prophets raised their voices
no jewelry. He never appears using or­ we must take care to distinguish what is against them (Isa. 3:18-21; 1 Tim. 2:9,
naments, and He is never seen in vision acceptable from what is not. The fact is 10; 1 Peter 3:3-6), indicating that this
by the prophets wearing them. Once it is that most usages'of jewelry are rejected type of jewelry was not fully acceptable.
acknowledged that a significant number by the biblical writers. But those exceptions serve to show that,
of passages in the Bible deal with jew­ at least in some cases, functional jewelry
elry, it would be incorrect to attribute this Religious, magical, and protective jew­ was accepted.
situation to mere chance. It does reflect elry is probably rejected because of
the attitude of the biblical faith toward idolatry. More important is the fact that 5. Ornamental Jewelry Is Rejected
jewelry and suggests that in general, it no religious jewelry was prescribed for The Scriptures are clear that ornamen­
was not positive. the Israelites through which they could tal jewelry was not to be part of the
express their religious convictions and personal adornment of the people of
3. Not Intrinsically Evil their commitment to the Lord. This is Cod. Although jewelry enhanced the
One should also accept the fact that the not an argument based on the silence appearance of the individual, it was
Bible does not consider jewelry to be of the biblical record. The Lord, as we worn for another reason. The jewelry
essentially evil. Otherwise it would have have demonstrated, told the Israelites used by the high priest beautified him,
been impossible for Cod to order Moses what to wear in order to inform others but its primary purpose was to identify
to make a dress for Aaron adorned with that they worshiped Him alone and not him as the leading spiritual figure in Is­
jewelry, or for the king to wear a crown, other gods. We required from them a rael and a representative of the people
or for anyone to have a signet ring. But particular symbolic attachment on their before the Lord. Whenever the func­
all of those cases are to some extent clothes, but it was not jewelry. His sym­ tional nature of a piece of jewelry was
appropriate usages of jewelry. Jewelry bol indicated that they were holy to the rejected, its ornamental function was
cannot be essentially evil because the Lord (Num. 15:37-41). According to the also rejected. In other words, there

standard of the church

beautiful materials used in its production New Testament, such a holy life should is no evidence to indicate that, for in-
were created by God Himself. Moreover, adorn the Christian (1 Peter 3:4, 5). stance, magical jewelry was acceptable
minerals are not moral agents, but hu­ if used only for ornamental purposes.
mans are. The evil of jewelry is to be The use of jewelry as symbolizing social Rejection of the one was also rejection
located in the heart of the wearer and not status, power, and authority is restricted of the other.
simply in the object itself. only to a few cases. Here we can men­
tion the dress of the high priest, the jew­ In New Testament times, jewelry was com­
4. Restricted Use of Jewelry elry of the king and the queen, and the monly used for personal adornment, but
If we are willing to accept that in the Bible signet ring. Of those, only the first was even there, other functions were associat­
jewelry has different functions, that there explicitly instituted by God Himself, the ed with italso. In cases where jewelry was
is a general pejorative attitude toward it, others seem to have been permitted or primarily ornamental, the biblical passag­
and that, nevertheless, it is not intrinsi­ tolerated by Him. In these cases, the el­ es are clear in rejecting it, and in describ­
cally evil, then we must also accept that ement of adornment plays a secondary ing the nature of true persona I adornment
not all of its usages are approved by the role. When others besides the royal cou­ as the enactment of Christian virtues in
Lord. The Bible does have a restrictive ple used jewelry to establish social dis- the daily life of the believer (1 Tim. 2:9,

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 13

10; 1 Peter 3:3-6). To be sure, personal held to a very high standard on the use of salvation; use them, but for good purpos­
adornment is not totally rejected, but a ornamental jewelry. Tertullian (160-225 es; use them, but for those things which
particular type of exterior adornment is A.D.) wrote against ornaments consisting God has commanded, and which the
identified as incompatible with the Chris­ of gold, silver, and gems, but indicated at Lord has set forth. Let the poor feel that
tian life. Ornamental jewelry falls into the same time that he was not encourag­ you are wealthy; let the needy feel that
this category of adornment. ing disregard for good personal appear­ you are rich."9 Then he quoted Paul, Pe­
ance. He pointed to "the limit and norm ter, and Isaiah to demonstrate that those
We can summarize our discussion by and just measure of cultivation of the who adorn themselves with gold, pearls,
saying that the Bible rejects the use of or­ person. There must be no overstepping and necklaces "have lost the ornaments
namental jewelry by God's people, while of the line to which simple and sufficient of the heart and the spirit." 10 Cyprian as­
at the same time accepting or tolerating refinement limit their desires—the sociated jewelry with moral corruption
a restrictive use of some functional jew­ line that is pleasing to the Lord."2 Obvi­ (prostitution) and immodesty.
elry. It is obvious that the issue of jew­ ously he had in mind 1 Peter 3:3, 4 and
elry in the Bible cannot be dealt with 1 Timethy 2:9, 10, which he quoted in By the fourth century, jewelry was be­
in terms of categories of totally wrong other places where he discussed proper coming common in the church, leading
or totally right. On this basis, the church Christian adornment.3 John Chrysostom (c. 347-407 A.D.) to
must abide by what is clear and use bib­ address the issue in some of his homi­
lical principles to deal with those areas We also find Clement of Alexandria lies. He considered ornaments of gold
where a personal decision is required. condemning ornamental jewelry, chal­ unnecessary for men and women. In fact,
lenging women to "utterly cast off" or­ it was ridiculous, he said, for a woman to
Foundation of the Adventist Stan­ naments4 and telling men that there is come to church wearing her gold orna­
dard on Jewelry no need for them to wear ornaments ments: "For what possible reason does
Our study has shown that there is signifi­ of gold. 5 Earrings are rejected because she come in here wearing golden orna­
cant material on the subject of jewelry "the Word prohibits us from doing ments, She who ought to come in that she
in the Bible, distributed from Genesis violence to nature by boring the lobes of may hear [the precept] 'that they adorn
through Revelation. The subject is well the ears."6 Interestingly, Clement makes not themselves with gold, nor pearls nor
attested in the Scriptures and of concern a distinction between ornamental jew­ costly attire'? (1 Tim. 2. 9). With what
for biblical writers. This phenomenon elry and functional jewelry. He argues object then, O woman, dost thou come?
should limit significantly the argument that the Word permits a man or woman Is it indeed to fight with Paul, and show
that the Adventist standard on ornamen­ to wear a finger-ring of gold "for sealing that even if he repeat these things
tal jewelry stems from the Victorian age things which are worth keeping safe in ten thousand times, thou regardest them
during the 1800s. The fundamental rea­ the house." 7 But he goes further by sug­ not? Or is it as wishing to put us your
son why the Adventist Church established gesting that women married to men who teachers to shame as discoursing on
this standard was because our pioneers are not Christians and who want them these subjects in vain?"' 1 Chrysostom
believed that it was a biblical teaching, to wear ornamental jewelry should do concludes this section with a very spe­
one they inherited from other Christian it only to please their husbands. But it cific appeal: "Let not the image of God
communities. should be their goal gently to draw their be decked out with these things: let the
husbands to simplicity. 8 gentlewomen be adorned with gentility,
A Christian standard on jewelry existed and gentility is the absence of pride, and
long before there was an Adventist or a During the third century, one can begin of boastful display." 12
Protestant. It appears in the time of the to detect a slight tendency to relax the
early post-apostolic church, to say nothing standard on jewelry. However, it was I have given special attention to these
of the apostolic church, where it was sup­ still defended by writers such as Cyprian, early Christian writers because they
ported not simply on the basis of cultural Bishop of Carthage (d. 258), who ad­ illustrate the initial Christian understand­
concerns but on the basis of the Scrip­ monished wealthy women who wanted ing of the biblical view on ornamental
tures. 1 It is a fact that during the first three to use their wealth as they pleased, to jewelry, long before the Victorian Age.
centuries of the Christian era, the church "use them, certainly, but for the things of The early centuries are marked by strong

14 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 resistance to the use of ornamental jew­ resource, Jewelry in the Bible: What You 6. Ibid., III.11, (p. 285).
7. Ibid. The seal was expected to have some
elry by believers. After the fifth century, Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid Christian emblem engraved on it. See F. L.
Cross, editor, The Oxford Dictionary of the
as Bacchiocchi has pointed out, jewelry To Ask, by Angel Manuel Rodriguez. The Christian Church (London: Oxford University
Press, 1958), p. 1167.
became the official adornment of the entire book is available for purchase at
8. Ibid.
clerical orders and during the remain­ <www.ministerialassociation.com>. 9. Cyprian, "Treatise II: On the Dress of the
Virgins" 11. in Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 5, p.
der of the Middle Ages was very popular 1. Excellent material on this subject is cited in Bac­ 433.
chiocchi, Christian Dress, pp. 74-100. 10. Ibid., 13, p. 433.
among Christians." The Reformers con­ 2. Tertullian, "On the Apparel of Women," 1.4; II.5, 11. John Chrysostom, "Homilies on Hebrews" XX-
in Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 4, edited by Alexander VII.13, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, vol.
demned this practice of the church and Roberts and James Donaldson (Grand Rapids, Ml: 14, edited by Philip Schaff (Grand Rapids, Ml:
called Christians back to a life of sim­ Eerdmans, 1979), pp. 16,20. Eerdmans, 1978), p. 497.
3. Tertullian, "De corona" 14, in Ante-Nicene Fa­ 12. Ibid. See also his "Homilies on Timothy"
plicity, discouraging the use of jewelry thers, vol. 3, p. 102. VIII, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers,
4. Clement of Alexandria, "The Instructor" 11.13, in vol. 13, pp. 433, 434.
for personal adornment. This was par­ Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 2, p. 268. 13. Bacchiocchi, Christian Adornment, pp. 83-86.
5. Ibid., 111.1, (p. 271).
ticularly the case among the Anabaptists 14. Ibid., pp. 83-94.

who sought to reform the church, not only

in terms of doctrines but also in biblical
lifestyle. This tradition was continued
among the Mennonites, Brethren, and
Methodists, among others. 14

Adventists are inheritors of this genuine

biblical, early Catholic, and Protestant
understanding of personal ornamentation.
History indicates a recurring tendency
among those who have upheld the high
biblical standard on ornamental jewelry
to relax the standard until it is virtually
non-existent. Perhaps the reason is that
its biblical basis is forgotten or considered
irrelevant. This is the kind of pressure the
Adventist church faces today.

Conclusion
The multiplicity of biblical references to
jewelry, when carefully analyzed, reveals
a consistent pattern of meaning and co­
herence throughout the Scriptures. By
recognizing that, in the Bible, jewelry
has different functions, and that some
of them are accepted or tolerated while
others are rejected, we are able to under­
stand the attitude of the biblical writers
toward jewelry. It was precisely that bib­
lical material that provided to the Chris­
tian church, and more particularly to the
Adventist church, the very foundation for
a biblical standard on jewelry.©

This article is excerpted from the practical

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 1 5

how to involve the Young people are not interested, or they

YOUTH
may even be leaving the church. We need
to act in order to change the situation. It is
interesting though, to see how the youth
situation can be negative at one church,

church
and positive at another. Young people
are active, interested, and even leading
out not only in Youth Ministry, but in
the church itself, and they are especially
involved in evangelism. Why is there
Erton K o h I e r
SAD Youth Director such a difference? Could it be that the
reaction of young people may vary from
Often I have heard people say: "Our young people don't want
one city or state to another, or does it
anything to do with serious involvement," or "Our youth seem to be have to do with the region they live in? If
that is the case, why is it that at different
lost," or "They are too secularized and have lost their interest in things
churches in the same city, young people
related to God." In many places these words are absolutely true. present contrasting situations?

We cannot escape the reality that our

young people are a result of the way their
church considers them. That is why I want
to challenge you, dear church elders, to
think about how the young people have
been treated at your church. If we want
to see our young people enthusiastic,
involved, and committed, we need to
invest in them, believe in them, and love
them. They have a tremendous potential
that needs to be guided, so that they
may channel all of it into God's cause.
I get excited every time I participate in
a meeting of Personal Ministries leaders,
small group leaders, church elders, or
leaders of any other area of work in
the church, and I ask how many young
people are participating. Usually there
are many, or they are the majority. This
means that they want to work. I know,
however, that they could do much more,
and that we could involve more young
people. What is the secret?

The key words are found in the title

above—to involve them! That is when
the difference begins to show between
churches that have active young people
and those where they are discouraged—

16 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

particularly when children are young, and save them. One thing is important,
when their emotions are defined. They however, in implementing any project
want to feel a sense of "belonging," not of involving young people: they need to feel
simply being an additional number. They that the projects are not mechanical, the
want to feel that they are remembered, kind that imply: "That is the opportunity
loved, accepted, special, and needed. you were looking for. Make sure you
If they feel that the church and its don't waste it." They want to feel they are
leadership believe in them, are willing
to support them, and understand their
limitations, they will react positively.
valued. The leadership needs to show love
and honest interest, walking by their side.
Young people see beyond the attitudes;
GOATS
Some churches, innocently deceived,
they perceive the intentions. They will
feel more motivated to participate, to
NAMED
try to win their young people by offering
them public shows: youth meetings, ral­
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Great musicians and preachers come in, 2. The program of the church is prepared milk production, goats are a
and the youth enjoy the programs, but with them in mind and becomes renewable income source in
they are not involved, or built, and con­ attractive to them; economically challenged areas
tinue to be inactive, uninterested, and 3. There are young people leading out in where there are very few ways
secularized. different areas of church work; to make money. The program
4. The church leadership shows concern is supervised by the wives of
There is another way. If your church wants for all the aspects of their lives, not local pastors, so you know
to get young programs and activities for only the spiritual; your gift will go where it's
the young people, but by them and with 5. Leaders are concerned more about needed most. Get involved!
them. It does not need to be anything loving and helping them than about For once it's a good thing to
complicated; it's enough to: condemning them. let the world get your goat.

1. Invite them to give their opinions in To get young people involved with the
"What a great idea! I bought ten
goats for our 35th anniversary and
the decision-making of the church; church and with things related to God
named every one of them Sharon."
2. Invite them to preach; is a huge challenge. I don't believe it
-James A Cress
3. Organize special programs where is difficult, but it has to go through a
they can share ideas, make plans, and partnership between parents, church
execute them; leaders, and youth leaders. If these three
4. Bring in fewer "stars" and encourage areas are united, with honesty and prayer,
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The first generation of Christians approached mission with a sense of urgency, for the apostles' command to "go into all

the world" was an imperative that could not be denied. They were compelled by their life-transforming experience with

Jesus, by three years of friendship and fellowship with their Savior, and by all they had witnessed personally. The early

church was energized by its certainty of the Lord's soon return, "the blessed hope-the glorious appearing" (Titus 2:13).

We are an extraordinary global family, with a specific identity, a clear mission, and an acute awareness

of the lateness of the hour in which we live. For the Seventh-day Adventist Church today, this sense of ur­

gency is as relevant now as it was in the days of the apostles. What is our central purpose as a church? As we

review the past years and look toward the future, what key values define us as a people?

COMPELLED BY

MISSION
Compelled to Mission ducted some form of outreach, involv­ ments can come after school to study
ing more than 4 million lay members. in a more comfortable environment and
• Our witness is not optional Adventist News Network, the church's learn more about Jesus.
Without mission there is no church. As satellite network, continues to grow in
Ellen White writes, "The burning, con­ programming and global reach. • Our witness is long-term
suming love of Christ for perishing souls When it comes to mission, disciple-
is the life of the whole system of Chris­ • Our witness extends to difficult areas ship and nurture are not optional ex­
tianity" (Lift Him Up, page 134). Christ's Cod's Spirit is at work in areas where tras. When a person accepts Christ
love compels us to share with others the previously the church has struggled. Ad­ and enters into fellowship with his/her
hope and joy that we ourselves have ventist World Radio continues to reach family, this marks the beginning—not
found. This is our mission. across borders to touch lives where the the end—of their Christian growth. A
church can't officially operate. news life lies ahead, and a new be­
• Our witness is personal liever must be prepared and equipped
Lay people are central to all the church's • Our witness is creative for that life.
outreach endeavors. In Hong Kong, two young Global
Mission pioneers—Sonya and Phoe­ • Looking ahead
• Our witness is global be—work in the middle of a high-rise How can we find committed, qualified
During the Year of World Evangelism residential area. They operate a center pastors and administrators to lead a
2004, more than 30,000 pastors con­ where children from cramped apart­ church that is growing exponentially?

18 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 How do we anticipate challenges and • An inclusive church injustice, ignorance, and sickness: we
plan for them? Two new offices, Lead- In the body of Christ, all members are are called to proclaim to the world
ershipTraining and Strategic Planning, valuable; all have a contribution to make. Christ's victory over the evil one and
have been established at the General Are we doing all we can to ensure that his handiwork.
Conference, and these will become each person is active in church life? Are
increasingly important for positioning we utilizing the talents of the women of His Love Compelled Us
our church in its mission. our church? Are we listening to what our
young people are saying? May we never forget what it means to
be Seventh-day Adventist—living in
Compelled to Community • Staying close joyful anticipation of soon return of our
• A shared identity It is God's plan that we are one around Savior. And I pray that each of us may
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the world—bound together by shared ever be willing instrument in the hand
2005 is truly a worldwide community. faith and common hope in the soon of God.

Adventist work is now established in return of our Lord. We need to talk with "May the Cod of Peace ... equip
204 of the 230 countries and areas rec­ one another, defer to one another, and
you with everything good for do­
ognized by the United Nations, and our consistently look beyond our own four
message today is communicated in 882 church walls. ing his will, and may he work
languages and dialects.
in us what is pleasing to him,
Compelled to Service
We rejoice in the bountiful range of gifts through Jesus Christ, to whom be
and talents the Lord has given our church The "abundant life" Jesus promised has
glory for ever and ever. Amen"
members. But we also have a common many different facets. Our lives become
identity that we must continue to nur­ spiritually full as we experience the (Heb. 13:20,21).®
ture, a heritage that must be shared with forgiveness of sin and the assurance of
new believers. We are a prophetic move­ salvation. Our priorities and values be­
ment with a God-given purpose. gin to change.

It is vital to find ways to more effectively But this quality of life has a broader, Jan Paulsen, president of the General Confer-
pass on this spiritual inheritance—through physical dimension. Christ's healing ence of Seventh-day Adventists. Adapted and
our schools, our churches, and our lit­ ministry and His concern for society's compacted from his report presented on June
erature; within our family circles; and most valuable members call us, His 30, 2005, in St. Louis as originally presented in
through new initiatives. followers, to a life of service. Poverty, the Adventist Review.

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 1 9

 EWORLD
Mark A. Finley

Without an emphasis on reaching Vision ues of quality of life, unity, and growth in
people, the church fails in the reason Tell the World is a vision for how the God's family.
for its existence as described clearly gospel of Jesus will be shared by the
in the mission statement: "The mission Seventh-day Adventist Church from Tell the World inspires the church to know
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church 2005-2010. It focuses the church on Jesus personally, to share Him enthusi­
is to communicate to all peoples the its identity as a called- out community astically, and to proclaim His name with
everlasting gospel of God's love in the and its end-time mission of proclaiming one voice. Can we even begin to com­
context of the three angels' messages the gospel to "every nation, and kindred, prehend what God might do through His
of Revelation 14:6-12, as revealed in and tongue, and people" (Rev. 14:6, KJV). people in reaping earth's harvest? Imag­
the life, death, resurrection and high The vision is clear: to invite every person ine a global community living out the
priestly ministry of Jesus Christ, lead­ in the world to respond to the good news life of Christ in selfless service, a praying
ing them to accept Jesus as personal about Jesus and His soon coming. people empowered by His Spirit, nur­
Savior and Lord to unite with His tured on God's Word, and united in mis­
remnant church; and to nurture believ­ Values sion who will fulfill their destiny as God's
ers as disciples in preparation for His Tell the World is more than a program. It ambassadors to a waiting world.
soon return." 1 is more than a slogan. It is a vision of
what the church, by God's grace, will be The church has identified seven key areas
Over the next five years, the Seventh-day and do in fulfilling the command of Jesus on which to focus its resources, energies,
Adventist Church will embark on a stra­ to preach the Gospel to every creature. and prayers. These seven areas will unite
tegic plan directly focused on its God- Tell the World is an individual and corpo­ the entire church in a vision of sharing
given mission: "Tell the World." rate commitment to live out the key val- the good news. They will involve every
20 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006
 The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is to communicate to all peoples the everlasting gospel of God's love.

level of church leadership, every institu­ each local region of the world field will 7. Media Ministry: Creatively use tech­
tion, every service, every initiative, and develop action plans and programs to nology and communication channels—
every church member. equip five million lay people in witness­ radio, television, Internet, publications—
ing activities. to reach every person in the world with
Goals for 2005-2010 the gospel message.
4. City Outreach: While in many areas
1. Spiritual Growth: Increase the per­ the church experiences rapid growth, a Implementation Priorities
centage of church members spending huge challenge still remains. The world
time in daily Bible sti/dy and prayer from has a population of more than six billion. 1. "Owned" by divisions, unions, and
50 percent to at least 65 percent. Recent Every second, four babies are born. The conferences with the General Con­
surveys indicate that Seventh-day Adven- greatest population growth in the world ference providing support through
tists have confidence in the Christ who resides in big cities that soon will be visioning and resource assistance.
redeemed them. They have accepted the home to more than half of the world's 2. Flexible, incorporating the plans and
assurance of salvation through Christ population. But in this increasingly ur­ initiatives of divisions, unions, and
alone. But other data relating to spiritual ban world, most Adventist congregations conferences.
life raises serious concerns. Most church are located outside the big cities. World 3. Placed on the'agenda at each Annual
members do not spend time in daily de­ divisions of the Adventist Church have Council for discussions, reports, and
votions. targeted 66 major cities in a master strat­ actions.
egy to make an impact on their massive 4. Communicated to the world church
2. Community Involvement: Growing populations. More than 400 cities in the clearly, quickly, and regularly.
churches equip and train their members world have a population of 1 million or 5. A high priority for all departments, in­
for service. They reach out to the com­ more. The church is building on its Hope stitutions, and entities throughout the
munity to meet felt needs. These dynam­ for the Big Cities outreach plan to plant world field.
ic growing congregations are sensitive and establish new congregations in more 6. A matter of prayer and consideration
to community needs, while at the same than 27 large cities around the world. for all church leaders, at every church
time, they are intentionally evangelis- level, as they develop plans within
, tic. Only one in three Adventist church 5. Church Planting; Plant and nurture their spheres of responsibility.
members are sharing their faith or in­ 20,000 new congregations in unaltered
volved in community service. One of the areas while also providing proper nurture Tell the World envisions a church of
strategic goals of Tell the World centers for the 17,000 congregations planted be­ praying members, filled with the Spir­
on increasing the percentage of mem­ tween 2000 and 2005. The early church it, nurtured on God's Word, a church
bers involved in the community from 29 exploded in growth because it constantly where all departments, entities, lead­
percent to at least 40 percent focused on planting new churches. New ers, and members are unified in a
congregations generally pulsate with single-minded mission, a church that
3. Personal Witness: Tell the World chal­ spiritual life. New members bring fresh­ provides an opportunity for the entire
lenges five million Adventists to reach ness to the body of Christ. world to hear and respond to the good
at least one person for Jesus and bring news about Jesus Christ©
them into fellowship with God's family 6. Evangelistic Programming: Involve
in the next five years. If five million Ad­ every church in an annual evangelistic 1. Working Policy of the General Conference

ventists win five million of their friends event resulting in 400,000 evangelistic of Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2004-2005 ed., A

and neighbors to Christ in the next five outreach and discipleship programs, in­ 0505.

years, we will baptize as many people cluding 100,000 youth evangelistic series.
from this initiative as we have in all oth­ Whenever Christ is wexalted, the Word
ers combined in the last five years. "Win is preached and appeals are made, the Mark A. Finley
One" is a Tell the World initiative where Spirit moves, and people are converted. General Conference Vice President
OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 21
Karen n d Ron Flowers

The woman's eyes were misty as she paused on her way out of the Instituted at Creation with the union of the first man and wom­
seminar. "Thank you," she said. "There are just so many things an, "family" is as old as Eden. It also is lodged firmly in the his­
that I never understood before—about myself, about my husband, tory of God's people through the ages. In the circle of the family,
about our children, about relationships, about Jesus." The words people's deep and abiding needs for belonging, love, intimacy,
tumbled out as her thoughts raced ahead. "What a difference this and social contact are to be met. Here the establishment of iden­
is going to make. And I want my friends to know too." tity and the development of personal worth take place. Here the
earliest work in the socialization of individuals occurs. Here val­
"It's all so exciting," she went on. "Now not only do we feel ues are implanted in the young and carried from one generation
a burden for families, but we're also beginning to feel that we to the next. By God's grace, the family can be a powerful agency
can do something. More than that, the skills we're learning and in the discipling of its members for Christ.
taking back to our churches will make us more than just better
husbands and wives, moms and dads, brothers and sisters. They God intends that we shall gain a revelation of His character and
will make us better witnesses for Jesus. All around us are people His ways from our relationships in our families. (See Ps.103:13;
who need to feel understood, cared for, and loved. Christian Isa. 54:5.) So special and significant is the family that domes­
families who know how to love are naturals for pointing the tic imagery is often used to convey theological truths. (See Isa.
way to Jesus." She had just completed a weekend leadership- 49:15; Jer. 31:32; Eph. 2:19; Rev. 21:2.) In Malachi 4:5, 6, family
development program in family ministries for church leaders, a reconciliation and restoration become a focal point during last-
program occurring with increasing frequency worldwide as our day events. The Bible predicts that before the great day of the
church fulfills its mission to make disciples who follow Jesus Lord, a message will go forth as in the days of Elijah that will turn
where they live, perhaps most especially in their homes. the faithful toward God and family members toward one an­
other. As the message of Revelation 14:7 goes forth about God
There is good reason to minister to families and households. as Creator, it is fitting that the creation design for marriage and
Not only are their needs great, not only do healthy families family be lifted up, even as the creation Sabbath is lifted up.
contribute to healthy churches, but family ministry addresses a
vital aspect of Christian living—our relationships. Family min­ The subject of home and family was close to the heart of Ellen
istry is unique from other ministries in that its focus is on the White. The quotations that follow are indicative of her view of
family as a whole and on the special connections within the the strategic importance of the Christian home:
family group. Family ministry is a ministry to the "and" of hus­
band and wife, father and mother, parent and child, brother "The restoration and uplifting of humanity begins in the home.
and sister. The work of parents underlies every other. Society is composed

22 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 STSTer

of families, and is what the heads of needs, they are

families make it. Out of the heart are also helped by
the 'issues of life' (Prov. 4:23); and the caring churches
heart of the community, of the church, that consider the
and of the nation, is the household. The impact on fami­
well-being of society, the success of the lies of all church
church, the prosperity of the nation, activities and seek
depend upon home influences."— The to embed family
Ministry of Healing, p. 349. strengthening fea­
tures into existing
"Our work for Christ is to begin with the programs. (For a
family, in the home. ... By many this summary of fam­
home field has been shamefully neglect­ ily ministries in
ed, and it is time that divine resources and the local church,
remedies were presented, that this state see the Seventh-day Adventist Church source.org> also stocks a large line of
of evil may be corrected."— Testimonies Manual, Revised 2000, pp. 116, 117, family ministries resources for sale. But
for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 429, 430. 130, and 131.) the greatest resource of all is caring
church leaders who think "family," who
Family ministry reinforces and encourag­ Meeting the challenge of the family to­ put family first in their personal lives and
es wholeness in families. It is a ministry day is an enormous task. Happily, many in their service to the church.
of grace that thinks inclusively. Singles resources abound. The General Confer­
and marrieds, intact families, divorc­ ence Department of Family Ministries A ministry to families is a ministry to the
ing and divorced families, step-families, produces an annual resource called the "and"—husband and wife, parent and
nuclear and extended families—all have Family Ministries Planbook including child, mother-in-law and daughter-in-
relationship needs that are within fo­ program materials for the annual empha­ law, brother and sister—creating practi­
cus. All the possible ands that comprise ses on "Christian Home and Marriage cal experiences in relational growth.©
households are worthy targets of our en­ Week" and "Family Togetherness Week."
deavors. Because families are the foun- For 2006, the planbook is entitled Man­
dational unit of the church, family minis­ aging Cod's Resources at Home. Contact
try seeks to foster closer bonds within the your local conference Family Minis­
larger family of God. Here indeed is the tries Director. GC Family Ministries has
and with a capital "A." family life education resources avail­ Karen and Ron Flowers
able for downloading on its Web site: Department of Family Ministries Directors
While families benefit from specialized <http://adventistfamilyministries.org/ of the General Conference of Seventh-day
programs especially tailored to their world>. AdventSource <www.advent- Adventists.

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 23

 a ministry for every woman

TOUCHaHEARTc
X
TELL the WORL
/H e a t her-Dawn Small

During this new quinquennium 2005- in even more souls brought to God. It 1. Threats to Health. A Women's health
2010, the General Conference Women's will mean placing more intentional em­ includes her emotional, social, and phys­
Ministries Department is focusing on phasis on our Six Challenge Issues and ical well-being and is directly affected by
combining evangelism and ministry. helping each woman find a ministry that social, political, and economic factors.
We are taking our marching directions will help women who face these chal­ The quality of a woman's health directly
from Isaiah 61:1-3 and this quote from lenges. It will mean helping our women impacts on her life and well-being, her
E. G. White found in the book Ministry see evangelism in a new way, for God family, and society. Yet women around
of Healing: has called us to proclaim to the world the world are still victims of poor health.
Christ's love and to be His touch in this
"Christ's method ALONE will give true world as we serve Him. Ministry Ideas: Breathe Free for Women,
success in reaching people. The Savior blood pressure/cholesterol programs, os-
mingled with [people] as one who de­ The Six Challenge Issues that impact teoporosis prevention, exercise, weight
sired their good. He showed His sympa­ women around the world are (1) threats control, vegetarian cooking, nutrition
thy for them, ministered to their needs, to health; (2) a woman's work load; (3) classes, cancer screening/awareness, re­
and won their confidence. THEN He poverty; (4) lack of training and mentor- productive health classes, grief and loss
bade them, 'Follow Me'" (p. 143, em­ ing; (5) abuse; and (6) illiteracy. Interest­ support groups, support groups, stress
phasis supplied). ingly, these issues tie in with the United reduction.
Nations Eight Millennium Development
This emphasis on evangelism and min­ Goals (see http://www.un.org/millen- 2. A Woman's Workload. Women
istry means that we must change the niumgoals/) and with the challenges around the world and in all cultures
way we do evangelism. We have been women face as noted by the Committee face the problem of work overload.
involved in evangelism and in minis­ on the Status of Women at their Beijing Women are either faced with the chal­
try, but to combine the two will result Conference in 1995. lenge of doing 90 percent of the world's

24 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

agricultural work, which includes long human right. For women to achieve bet­ and write. In many developing countries
work days, small salaries, and then the ter health, nutrition, and quality of life for 80 percent of the food is produced by
additional hours of housework and child- themselves and their families, they need women, and women in rural areas wom­
care with limited access to basic neces­ equal access to education. Lack of edu­ en are mostly unpaid laborers. Statistics
sities; or the balancing act of societal ex­ cation results in women being trapped in show that two-thirds of the world's non-
pectations for maintaining an intact and a cycle of poverty with limited options for literate population and one-third of all
healthy family while achieving in a highly economic improvement, which results in heads of households are women, yet they
competitive work environment that results sentencing their children to chronic pov­ carry two-thirds of the worlds work load.
in long days, limited rest and recreation, erty and limited education.
and little time for time with God. V Ministry Ideas: Basic literacy training,
Ministry Ideas: Leadership training, men­ computer literacy, second language
Ministry Ideas: Time management, orga­ toring programs, communication class­ training programs.
nization seminars, management classes, es, parliamentary procedures seminars,
small business classes, self esteem, Bible women's ministries committees, spiritual The Women's Ministries Department
study skills, working-mothers seminars. gifts seminars. cannot work alone. We need the support
of leadership as we challenge women
3. Poverty. The Unifem report, "Prog­ 5. Abuse. Domestic violence, incest, with their potential to share the good
ress of the World's Women 2005," pres­ rape, and battering are all-too-common news. Our desire, by God's grace, is to
ents some startling information on this burdens that women carry. Physical, provide ministry ideas that encourage
question of women and poverty. Progress sexual, and psychological battering hap­ women today to take up their mission as
for women in this is improving, but very pens to small girls, adolescents, single, disciples of Jesus Christ. As church lead­
slowly. The report notes that "despite and married adult women, and elderly ers today, we can make a difference by
parity in primary education, disparities women. No stratum of society is immune talking with one another, supporting one
are still wide in secondary and tertiary from the epidemic of violence, and another, and consistently looking beyond
education—both increasingly key to as a church, we believe that tolerance the church walls.
new employment opportunities." of abuse within the church, is a denial
of Christ. The women of this church are eager,
Ministry Ideas: Small business develop­ ready, and more than willing to do God's
ment, money management seminars, Ministry Ideas: Abuse education semi­ work. May God help us to accomplish
preparing for retirement seminars, pro­ nar, women's shelters, support groups, our task by uniting our efforts as we
fessional mentoring, time management, healing seminars. touch hearts and tell the world!©
budgeting, widow support groups, debt
reduction. 6. Illiteracy. Nearly one billion people
in the world are illiterate, one-fifth of Heather-Dawn Small
4. Lack of Training, Mentoring, and Op­ the world's population. One out of every General Conference Women's Ministries
portunities. Education for all is a basic three women in the world cannot read Director

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 25

 brought the Israelites to the
nks of the Jordan River in the
pring of the year. The melting
snows from the mountains had
brought the river to flood stage,
making it impossible to cross
at the usual fording places. Only a
miracle from God would make the
crossing possible.

IMPOSSIBLE
George E . K n o w I e s

Notice three points in the experience of (chap. 3:1). God gave the assignment strength. If we do not stay close to the
ancient Israel at the Jordan: and His people moved. Lord in prayer and Bible study, we will
soon give up in discouragement in our
1. God's challenge. It is significant that as they began to move attempts at soul winning.
2. The response of God's people. forward, they reached a point in their
3. The necessity of spiritual preparation. experience when they were receptive
to the admonition, "Sanctify yourselves: Spiritual Preparation
In Joshua 1:2, we find God's challenge for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders
to His people, "Arise, go over this Jor­ among you" (Joshua 3:5). When we be­ When we who claim to be God's people
dan." Their response can be summa­ gin to move forward in service for the move out in obedient service for Him,
rized in two words: "They removed" Lord, we soon realize our need of divine we become more aware of our spiritual

26 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

needs. At the same time, we qualify for a ning project, the devil presents many rea­
greater infilling of the Holy Spirit, which sons why it is impossible—physical rea­
is given for service. sons, economic reasons, social reasons,
and reasons of disposition. But when we
The power that piled up the waters of the do what is in our power to do, the mi­
Red Sea 40 years before Jordan was the raculous power of God will do the rest.
power that opened for the people of God
a path through the river. The same God is Lay Preaching
ready to do wonders today if His people It seemed impossible—a woman from
will be committed and willing to receive Sarah Walker attended a lay preach­ the West Indies preaching in a conserva­
the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. ers' institute and caught a vision of tive rural community with a 99 percent
what could be done by the small, ru­ white population.
God, then, can communicate His mes­ ral church of which she was a member.
sage without human instruments. He The inspiration she received at the insti­ The meetings were held in a coun­
does not need us, but we all desper­ tute revived memories of her youth in try schoolhouse. After two months of
ately need the involvement with Him in the West Indies. She remembered the preaching and personal work, seven
service. God could have performed a group of laymen who banded together adults were baptized.
different type of miracle than He did to as a soul-winning team. One was the
get the Israelites across the Jordan, but speaker, another had charge of the mu­ God knew that there was a harvest to be
He chose a means that would test the sic, others looked after ushering, adver­ gathered in that little community. He ar­
faith of each individual. He gave them tising, visitation, and so on. ranged the timing of that lay preachers'
a seemingly impossible command, and institute and planned that Sarah Walker
not until they accepted the challenge Sarah was the only one from her little should be there to get the inspiration.
did He miraculously intervene to open church to attend the institute. She went God laid on her heart a burden, and
the way before them. There was no mir­ home fired up with enthusiasm, certain she did something about it. Her actions
acle until the people moved forward in that one of the men in the church would opened the way for God to work and
response to God's call. Do you see the be willing to step into the role of lay perform miracles of conversion.
parallel for our day? preacher. But the men had not attended
the institute. They had not caught the vi­ The Mission
As members of the church, we think our sion and the inspiration. Finally, in des­
assignment is impossible, and, humanly peration, Sarah asked, "Will you support When Jesus gave the gospel commission
speaking, it is. When we consider be­ me if I do the preaching?" The church to His little band of disciples, their reac­
coming actively involved in a soul-win­ members assured her of their support. tion might easily have been "Impossible!"

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 27

To go into all the world and preach the because he was too quick to say, "Im­
gospel to every creature could appear as possible."
a physical impossibility; the disciples did
not have the means of transportation and The authority and validity of Cod's com­
communication available to us. It was a mands are important factors in accom­
numerical impossibility; they were only plishing the seemingly impossible. The
a handful. It was a financial impossibil­ apostles accepted the command to wit­
ity; they had no money or material pos­ ness "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea. . . .
sessions. It was a social impossibility; and unto the uttermost part of the earth"
who would listen to these adherents of (Acts 1:8) on the authority of their Lord.
a new religion, and these followers of an When they were brought before the Jew­
unknown Jew, a Galilean carpenter? ish leaders for following this command,
they declared, "We ought to obey God
But Jesus' followers had seen Him com­ rather than men" (chap. 5:29). Con­
mand a man with a withered arm— strained by the love of Christ, they de­
"Stretch forth thine hand" (Matt. 12:13). clared fearlessly, "We are His witnesses"
It looked impossible, but there was a (verse 32). Verse 40 describes how they
power in the command that made it were beaten and commanded not to
possible. Jesus' disciples had seen Him speak in the name of Jesus. However,
command a cripple who couldn't even there was a command from a higher au­ More than three decades
stand on his feet—"Rise, take up thy bed, thority, and the record says, "They ceased
of practical wisdom and
and walk" (John 5:8). This, too, seemed not to teach and preach Jesus Christ"
impossible, but once again, in the (verse 42).
insight gleaned from
command of Jesus was the power that experience in ministry and
made it possible. The apostles who were stirred to action
leadership, summarized
by Jesus' command to witness were fish­
For a person knowing nothing about the ermen, tradesmen, and businessmen.
in language that is clear
principles of flight, it may seem impossi­ They did not have the opportunity to and applicable to every
ble for a jumbo jet filled with passengers receive formal theological training, but
pastor's experience. This
and cargo to leave the ground and fly they had the privilege of association with
through the air. But the laws of aerody­ Jesus. That association impressed upon
book is an indispensable
namics make the seemingly impossible their minds the urgency of carrying the tool to the pastor who
possible. gospel to everyone, everywhere.
is searching for practical
and proven solutions to
When the sister of the Wright brothers You and I have the privilege of spending
received a telegram telling of their first time with Jesus in Bible study and prayer, the everyday challenges of
successful flight, it included the message and out of such communion will grow feeding God's flock.
"Home for Christmas." She took the tele­ the conviction to do our part.©
gram to the editor of the local paper and
told him about the flight. He looked at S9.93
the telegram and said, "I'm so glad your Plus 18% Shipping
brothers will be home for Christmas." AVAILABLE AT
This article is excerpted and adapted from www.ministerialassodation.com/resources
or tel 301-680-6508 • fax 301-680-6502
After she left, he turned to his associate the practical resource, How To Help Your
or at your local Adventist Book Center
and said, "Who does she think I am? Church Crow by George E. Knowles. The
Anyone knows that flying is impossi­ entire book is available for purchase at GENERAL CONFERENCE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
12501 Old Columbia Pike • Silver Spring, MD • 20904
ble." That editor missed a news scoop <www.ministerialassociation.com>.

28 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 S h a r o n Cress

Laborers together with

The apostle Paul is one of my favorite to serve, we are walking down a path tently remembered his friends who were
biblical authors because so much of his that has the potential to lead us into bit­ church leaders and kept in contact with
writing is so relevant to our lives today. In terness, resentment, and a load too heavy them. They prayed for each other. They
1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul gives us both an for us to carry. supported each other.
admonition and a promise when he says,
"We are laborers together with Cod." I 2. We must remember we are in this North of San Francisco, California, are
believe this text can be specifically ap­ together with the Lord. This is the prom­ the beautiful Muir Woods. Great coastal
plied to you and me as the spouse of a ise part. God has not asked us to bear the redwoods tower high toward heaven and
church leader in several ways. workload without Him. He really does make a natural cathedral of trees. Many
not want us working on our own without of these trees are more than 1,000 years
1. Sometimes, as the spouse of a church His presence and guidance. He desires old. But you don't find them growing in
leader, we need to remind ourselves that that He work with and through us. isolation —they are clustered together
we, too, are "laborers" in ministry. We and actually hold each other up. Most
are not just the immobile half of a mar­ I don't much like dusting our house, and of their roots are entangled, and this net­
riage to a leader, standing in the back­ it seems like a full-time job to stay ahead work provides them with support during
ground waiting for them to serve out of it. I could look at my dust mitt and raging storms. This is why they have sur­
their elected position. Although we are demand that it dust the house all by itself vived so many years—they have clung
not obligated to serve the church be­ without my presence, but not a lot would together for strength during the bad
cause our spouses have chosen to serve be accomplished; probably the only times. As spouses of leaders, we need to
an elected responsibility, we are obligat­ place that would be dust-free is where uphold each other; support each other,
ed to serve the church because we love the mitt is lying. But by putting my hand and pray for each other.
God. This is so important to remember. into the glove, I can be accomplish a lot.
We do not actively serve because we The lesson: We need God to be inside Let's again remember in a new way that
love the church or love our spouse. everything we do. Then and only then "we are laborers together with Cod."®
will it be done to His priorities and ac­
We are all gifted by God and privileged complished in His way.
to use the talents to His glory simply Sharon Cress
because we love Jesus. This must be our 3. Paul knew the importance of earthly General Conference, Shepherdess and Pas­
only motivation. If this is not our reason friendships. In his writings, he consis- toral Families

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 29

 In Manuscript Releases, volume 14, pages 23
and 24, could Ellen White be suggesting that
Christ and the Holy Spirit are the same persons?

The text says: "Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent."
be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether This interpretation is confirmed by a parallel declaration
for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His found in The Desire of Ages, p. 669, which states that "the
Father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on Holy Spirit is Christ's representative, but divested of the
earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality personality of humanity, and independent thereof."
of humanity and independent thereof. He would represent
Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Some claim that, when affirming that the Holy Spirit is
Omnipresent. 'But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Christ, Ellen White would be affirming that the Holy Spirit
whom the Father will send in My name, He shall (although is a mere uncharacterized energy that flows from Christ. But
unseen by you) teach you all things, and bring all things to such interpretation is not confirmed by the context in which
your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you' [John the above-mentioned expressions appear. By attesting that
14:26]. 'Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for the Holy Spirit is Christ "divested of the personality of
you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will humanity, and independent thereof," Ellen White suggests
come not unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto a clear distinction between the divine nature of the Holy
you"'[John 16:7]." Spirit and the divine human nature of Christ. Moreover, the
statements that the Holy Spirit would be sent by the Father in
To understand this statement it's indispensable that we the name of Christ Qohn 14:2 6) and by Christ Himself Gohn
correctly interpret the second and third sentences, which, 16:7), quoted in the same paragraph, affirm that the Holy
in the English original, appear the following way: "The Holy Spirit is distinct, both from the Father and from the Son. To be
Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity sent by both people, the Holy Spirit must have a personality
and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as distinct from both of them, for no one sends himself.
present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent."
Isolated from its context, these sentences end up becoming When suggesting that the Holy Spirit is Christ, Ellen White
ambiguous. Consequently, the reflexive pronoun "Himself" employed an expression to accentuate the meaning similar
that appears in the expression "the Holy Spirit is Himself" to the one Christ used when He said, "I and the Father
could be interpreted as if referring to the Holy Spirit or to are one" (John 10:30). These expressions emphasize the
Christ. If we choose the first alternative, then we'll have to essential unity between the Holy Spirit and Christ, and
understand the sentence the following way: The Holy Spirit between Christ and the Father respectively, without denying
Himself is divested of the personality of humanity and the distinction of personality of each one of them. Hence,
independent thereof. But, in this case, the pronouns "He," by saying that the Holy Spirit is Christ, Ellen White suggests
"Himself", and "His" of the following sentence would that the presence of Holy Spirit in the world as Christ's
be interpreted as also referring to the Holy Spirit, which representative would not represent any loss for the disciples.
would force us to understand the sentence as follows: The No matter how much people may seek endorsements
Holy Spirit would represent Himself as present in all places for their anti-trinitarian theories in the declaration of the
by His Holy Spirit, as Omnipresent. But such interpretation Manuscript Releases, such attempts will never be able to
is deprived of meaning and, therefore, unacceptable. obscure the clear teachings of the Bible and of Ellen White
about Divinity as formed by three distinct Persons—Father,
Despite any ambiguity, the context confirms that in both Son, and Holy Spirit.©
sentences the pronouns "He," "His," and "Himself" are
referring to Christ and not to the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Dr. Alberto R. Timm, from the Ellen G. White Research Center in
sentences maybe understood the following way: "The Holy Brazil, provided the answer to this question. The purpose of this
Spirit is Christ divested of the personality of humanity and section is to clear any doubts about subjects related to church
independent thereof. Christ would represent Himself as doctrines and ministerial questions.

30 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

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 ERMON 1

Far From Home, Close to God

Daniel 1

INTRODUCTION flict between good and evil. He shows between good and evil that started in
God's divine power in an uncommon Heaven (Rev. 12:7-9) and continues on
A. The prophetic book of Daniel was manner. God is never surprised. He is Earth.
written for our time. Its prophecies have never caught unprepared. His plans tri­
more meaning to the present generation. umph even in situations that seem to be 1. Just like Daniel and his friends, we
completely unfavorable. live inside this same great conflict be­
1. The angel Gabriel told Daniel specifi­ tween good and evil.
cally, "Seal the book, until the time of I. FAR FROM HOME
the end" (Dan. 12:4). C. Captive hostages Something very sad
A. The first verse in Daniel starts with happened: Some people in Jerusalem
2. The biblical prophet Daniel describes a great conflict in the Middle East. were taken hostage to Babylon. There
in vivid details the world events that are Two nations were involved: on one was nothing more cruel to a person than
now occurring. His predictions, covering side, Babylon; on the other side, Judah. to have his/her freedom taken away.
2,500 years of history, clearly describe 1. In 605 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar, king
the world events since his time (600 years of Babylon, fiercely attacked Jerusalem. 1. Daniel was a teenager when he was
before Christ) until our time. These two cities represented two life­ taken as a slave. He was sent far from
styles, two ideologies, two philosophies. home, far from his family, to a foreign
B. Today we'll study Daniel's story and country in all senses. The food was dif­
the special way God guided his life. 2. Babylon was the center of the re­ ferent, the language was different, .the
We'll see our own story in the life of this bellion against the true God. It rep­ habits, the religion—everything was dif­
son of God, and we'll learn how he at­ resented apostasy and a false religious ferent.
tained spiritual strength to be victorious. system basedon the worship of idols in
God wants you and me to be victorious. opposition to God's law. 2. He felt lost in that situation. He must
have been afraid and he probably cried,
1. Far from home, in a foreign land, 3. Jerusalem, the city of Daniel, repre­ missing the loved ones at home.
subject to pressures caused by mental sents loyalty, faithfulness, and fidelity. It
manipulation, Daniel triumphed. He tri­ represented worship and obedience to 3. Sin has also separated us from God.
umphed over the enemy's temptations. the true God. Like Daniel, we live in a world that is not
You can also triumph! our home. Satan kept us hostage. Sin has
B. In the first verse of the book of Daniel, enslaved people and taken from them
C. Daniel, chapter 1, introduces the this conflict between the forces of good one of the most beautiful things God had
theme of the entire book: A great con­ and evil is introduced—the great conflict given them: freedom.

32 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 SERMON 1

D. The Hebrew young men whom Ne­ be with God. This made the difference in SERMON NOTES:
buchadnezzar had taken into captivity the life of Daniel and will make a differ­
were special (read Dan. 1:3, 4): noble ence in your life also.
young men, without blemish, skillful in
all wisdom. 1. Daniel chose not to get contaminated.
(See Dan. 1:12).
1.Nebuchadnezzar had made provi­
sions to change their identities (read Dan. 2. Daniel's faith led him to reason that
1:6, 7). The king intended to change their God would honor his choice. He knew
characters and personalities. God would never disappoint him.

2. Nebuchadnezzar began a selec­ C. Miraculous results happened:

tive process of "brain washing," chang­
ing the names of the Hebrew young 1. Physical results (Dan. 1:15)—Their
man to names that represented Baby­ appearance was better.
lonian pagan gods. Thus, he wished
to destroy their previous identities. 2. Mental results (Dan. 1:17)—God gave
them learning and skill in all letters and
II. CLOSE TO GOD wisdom.

A. Daniel made a decision that changed 3. Political results (Dan. 1:19, 20)—They
the course of his life. (Read Dan. 1:8). stood before the king.

1. The word "resolve" means "to deter­ 4. They were found ten times wiser
mine" or "to decide." The power that than everyone else
reigns inside our minds is our will. When
we choose to do what's right, God gives CONCLUSION
us moral power so we may choose be­
tween good and evil. Daniel's faithfulness to God brought him
blessings. When we make the right deci­
2. The Holy Spirit guides us to make the sions, when we do what's right because
best choices and, when we decide, He it is right, we may also expect abundant
gives us power to accomplish it. spiritual blessings from a loving heavenly
Father. ©
B. Even far from home, Daniel remained
close to God. He decided that it didn't Contributed by the South American Division
matter what happened to him—he would Ministerial Association

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 33

 SERMON 2

God in Control of Histo

Daniel 2

INTRODUCTION invent an interpretation that would con­ end time. He predicts events that oc­
vince Nebuchadnezzar. cur during the closing of Earth's history.
In Daniel 2, God reveals Himself as the
only one who really knows the future. In 2. They all failed to tell him the dream and III. THE DREAM AND THE
this chapter, God clearly outlines 2,500 its interpretation. The king, furious, con­ INTERPRETATION (DANIEL
years of history in advance, previewing demned to death all wise men of Babylon. 2:31-35)
exactly the rise and fall of empires. It is
impressive to observe God's ability to II. GOD REVEALS THE A. Babylon
guide the nations' destiny. FUTURE
1. Gold is an appropriate symbol for
If He is wise enough to predict the future A. Read Dan. 2:16-30. Daniel was the Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar ruled the
and powerful enough to orchestrate the first one they sought to slay, because he world since 605 B.C. until 539 B.C. Lo­
rise and fall of nations, He can certainly was part of the group of wise men who cated in Iraq in modern days, about 62
guide our own personal lives. We can all stood before the king. But Daniel didn't miles south of Baghdad, the city which
trust in God even know what was happening and, at was the capital of Babylon became the
that moment, Daniel only asked for some center of the most powerful nation in the
I. THE DREAM OF KING time and left to consult with God (Dan. Middle East at the time. Its most impor­
NEBUCHADNEZZAR 2:16-18). tant god, Bel-Marduk, was made of solid
gold. His golden image depicted him sit­
A. Read Dan. 2:1-15. That night, an un­ 1. Here we start to understand one of the ting on a golden throne beside a golden
common dream disturbed Nebuchad­ keys which opens the doors to the solu­ lampstand, in front of a golden table in a
nezzar. The following morning, he sum­ tion to our problems: prayer. It is in pray­ temple with a golden dome. The proph­
moned the magicians and enchanters to ing that you may find answers about the et Isaiah also calls Babylon "the city of
tell him the dream and its interpretation. future, about your life. gold" (Isaiah. 14:4).

1. The wise men of Babylon complete­ B. God has wisdom and power. 2. However, Babylon would not last for­
ly failed. God, miraculously, hid the ever. It would be defeated by another
dream from Nebuchadnezzar's mind, God revealed in Nebuchadnezzar's power.
and he could not remember what he dream the history of the empires of
had dreamed about. If the king had this world and what shall come to pass B. Mede and Persia.The Medes and Per­
told the dream, the magicians and in the last days of Earth's history. Ne­ sians defeated the Babylonians in 539
enchanters would have been able to buchadnezzar's dream focuses on the B.C. Cyrus, the general who commanded

34 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 SERMON 2

the Mede and Persian army, was fore­ CONCLUSION SERMON NOTES:
told by name 150 years before, in Isaiah
44:28 and Isaiah 45:1. The Mede and A. Prophecy fulfilled. In Daniel 2:43,
Persian Empire ruled the world from 539 the Word of Cod is clear. Those thir­
B.C. until 331 B.C. teen words "They (the divided nations of
Rome) will not hold together, just as iron
C. Greece. The Creek nation defeated does not mix with clay" have stopped
the Medes and Persians. Greece ruled the each pretender from conquering as the
world from 331 B.C. until 168 B.C. Alex­ centuries pass by. The Biblical prophecies
ander the Great conquered the world at are exact: the future is with Cod.
33 years of age.
B. Hope in sight. Read Dan. 2:44. I.The
D. Rome. The Romans conquered the return of Christ is the hope that is before
Greeks in 168 B.C. The Roman Empire our eyes. Christ is the Stone (I Cor. 10:4).
ruled the world during the time of Christ. Soon, the evil forces will be crushed,
Cesar Augustus, Roman emperor, de­ broken in pieces and destroyed.
creed that everyone should pay taxes.
A Roman tribunal judged Jesus, and Ro­ 2. Soon, the heavens will open and we
man soldiers nailed Him to the cross. will see Jesus coming to establish His
kingdom forever.
2. The prophet Daniel foretold that the
Roman Empire would be divided. The C. Pray today: Lord Jesus, I choose to
division of the Roman Empire occurred follow you in all things and be one of
from 351 until 476 A.D. No fifth empire your children. I want to be remembered
defeated the Romans. Rome was divided when you come in Your Kingdom. Lord,
exactly the way the prophet had fore­ I give You my life today, together with
told. The barbarian tribes form the north those habits that are not pleasing to
invaded the Roman Empire, and it was Your will.©
divided in separate, distinct states. The
European nations of today—France, Ger­
many, England, Italy—were foretold in Contributed by the South American Division
this frightful dream. Ministerial Association

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 35

 SERMON 3

The Fire Will Not Burn You

Daniel 3

INTRODUCTION I. CHALLENGED BY A each other. In a moving drama on the

COUNTERFEIT plain of Dura, the king's loyalty crashed
A. For each truth in the Bible, there is into God's loyalty.
a counterfeit. Since the creation of the A. Read Daniel 3:1. You may remem­
world, the devil has been determined to ber that, in chapter 2, God gave Nebu­ 2. Whoever did not worship the image
deceive people. Since the beginning, his chadnezzar, king of Babylon, a dream would be cast into the fiery furnace.
work has been the same: to deceive. revealing the future. In chapter 3, the The three Hebrew young men were in
king built his own counterfeit image. In a very difficult position. Staying loyal
He is the father of lies (John 8:44). He opposition to God's vision for the future, to God meant being disloyal to Nebu­
lied when he deceived Eve in the Gar­ Nebuchadnezzar intended to hold the chadnezzar.
den of Eden (Gen. 3:4), and he has been future in his own hands. He intended for
deceiving people since then. In contrast, his kingdom to be forever. He wished to D. In Acts 5:29, the apostle Peter gives
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life take God's place. us a very important instruction for when
(John 14:6). His will exposes Satan's lies. we are in a situation of conflict, between
Truth is something worth living for, it's B. God revealed the future as being obeying God or going against His will.
something worth dying for! Our faithful­ dominated by empires of gold, silver, He said: "We must obey God rather
ness to Jesus and to His truth will finally bronze, and iron. But the statue that Ne­ than men."
determine our eternal destiny. buchadnezzar built was only made of
gold, indicating his desire for Babylon to II. THE PRICE OF
B. Our Bible text for today reveals the last forever. COMMITTING TO GOD
cost three young men were willing to
pay for the truth. Instead of accepting a C. Everyone should worship the statue. A. Read Daniel. 3:16-18. They decided
counterfeit, disobeying God, and being Read Daniel 3:3-5. to be faithful to God. Shadrach, Meshach,
deceived by Satan's lies, they put their and Abednego's answer was immedi­
lives at risk. Their faith took them to the 1. Nebuchadnezzar summoned all rep­ ate: "We do not fear to answer thee in
fire, and the fire did not burn them. To­ resentatives of his kingdom. The decree this matter" (verse 16). They were deter­
day we will discover how we can have was universal. The main subject of this mined. Procrastination, hesitation, or de­
this faith that challenges death at the growing conflict was centered in wor­ lay would have made them vulnerable to
end of this world's history. ship. The false and the true crashed into Satan's temptation.

36 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 SERMON 3

1. The only safe way when facing temp­ C. Here are some wonderful promises of SERMON NOTES:
tation is to take a decisive stand for what encouragement for difficult occasions:
is right.
1. "Fear not, for I am with you, be not
2. As a result of their decision (Dan. dismayed, for I am your God; I will
3:19-21), they were bound and cast into strengthen you, I will help you, I will up­
the fiery furnace. hold you with my victorious right hand"
(Isa. 41:10).
3. Apparently, they would face death
alone. But looking carefully at the flames, 2. "Cast all your anxieties on him, for
hoping to see the Hebrews immediately He cares about you" (1 Peter. 5:7).
consumed, Nebuchadnezzar was aston­
ished because he did not see three, but 3. "We know that in everything God
four men inside the furnace. And they works for good with those who love him"
were not bound, but free. (Rom. 8:28).

CONCLUSION D. When we face the most dreadful mo­

ments, He is present. He is the Son of
A. Nebuchadnezzar saw four unbound God. He became a human and lived in
men—not three bound men. human flesh, so He does understand our
sufferings and longings.
1. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, entered
the fiery furnace and miraculously freed You may even be thrown in the fiery fur­
the Hebrews. naces of problems and hardships in this
life, but you will never be alone. Jesus
2. The only thing that was burned was will be with you, and the fire will not
the rope that bound them. burn you.©

B. Jesus is present in the trials of our

lives. In life's torments, Jesus is also pres­
ent. When we walk through the flames, Contributed by the South American Division
He is present. Ministerial Association

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 37

 SERMON 4

From Glory to the Bottom of the Pit

Daniel 4

INTRODUCTION He found the One who provides stabil­ of his power, Nebuchadnezzar was
ity and inner tranquility (Isa. 26:3). He chopped down. We can learn a lesson
A. God often reveals Himself to us in seemed to be bubbling over with grati­ from his experience.
surprising ways. Sometimes He speakes tude to God. The life of the pagan king
with a soft, quiet voice, trying to lead us was changed. B. God is in control of everything, and
to the right path. At other times, with an we need to admit that we depend on
insistent voice through our conscience, 1. Nebuchadnezzar was changed by Him.
He tries to convict us of sin. God's grace. He needed to tell his story.
He wanted to share the greatness of the 1. In his dream about the tree, Nebu­
B. Sometimes God's voice is loud. God who changed his life. chadnezzar saw the collapse of his own
kingdom. The chopping down of the
1. It interrupts our routine. It makes us 2. If God changed Nebuchadnezzar, He tree represented Nebuchadnezzar's fall
stop in our tracks. It shocks us, especially can change us too, no matter how many from God's favor, and the loss of his
when life seems to be disintegrating, and mistakes we have made. If your life is full kingdom.
everything seems to be upside down. of misfortune, God can change you.
C. For seven years ("seven times"), the
2. We may even be in danger of losing II. TRAGEDY PREDICTED king would experience an insanity that
the things for which we have struggled. would make him reason and act like a
And when we least expect it, God sur­ A. Nebuchadnezzar described how beast. It is difficult to imagine the brilliant
prises us. He enters our life in an amaz­ happy and calm his life was before he and popular king of Babylon wandering
ing way. learned about God (read Daniel 4:4). the fields like a wild beast. Afflicted with
temporary insanity, he let his nails and
C. That happened to Nebuchadnezzar, 1. It is very easy to become proud when his hair grow, and he did not bathe. He
and it may happen to us as well. things go well in our lives. Occasionally, felt better among the beasts than in the
God permits setbacks and adversities to royal court.
I. NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S come upon us in order to lead us to Him.
TESTIMONY 1. What a contrast with his previous
2. Nebuchadnezzar had a new dream life in the palace! The king got to the
A. Read Daniel 4:1-3. Nebuchadnez­ that predicted that an adversity would "bottom of the pit." His life became a
zar found the source of inner peace. befall him. Full of pride, at the height total disaster, an absolute wreck. There

38 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 SERMON 4

was no place to look except up. There become confused and not know where SERMON NOTES:
was no one to turn . . . except God. to turn.

Hi. COD'S APPEAL TO B. Victory will come only to the one

REPENTANCE whose repentant heart is willing to rec­
ognize that all that he possesses and all
A. What advice did God give the king? that he may obtain in this life come from
(Read Daniel 4:27.) God. Victory will only come to you if
you admit that God is in control of ev­
1. The judgments of God may be erything.
avoided if we repent. It is some­
thing very dangerous to continue, C. God extends to us an invitation in
by "our own" will, to disobey God. Isaiah 45:22: "Look to Me, and be saved,
The lack of God's blessing allows all you ends of the earth! For I am God,
tragedies to come into our lives. and there is no other."

B. Full of pride, at the height of power, 1. God invites us to come to Him. In

Nebuchadnezzar was chopped down. Him we will find the safety that we long
for.
1. What a lesson to us! Neglecting to
recognize God in our lives may result 2. Life is so fragile. Our work, our
in our becoming unprotected victims of homes, our marriages, and our health of­
tragedies. fer very little safety. We may lose every­
thing in a moment, at a blink of an eye.
2. Only when Nebuchadnezzar, king In God and in Him alone may we find
of Babylon, recognized the true God did strength, meaning, and purpose for our
his sanity return. The king looked up to lives.
heaven and recognized the God of the
Universe. And his life was suddenly 3. Today, wouldn't you like to run to Je­
changed. sus' arms? Wouldn't you like to feel His
loving embrace and hear His quieting
CONCLUSION voice, saying, "You are Mine. I will never
forsake you"?©
A. In a sense, the story of Nebuchadne­
zzar is my story and your story! We too, Contributed by the South American Division
need the grace of God. We may also Ministerial Association

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 39

 Preaching is important to Christians because it is important to Christ.

My father was dying. Doctors had giv­ behind in my work and even less able preaching by comparing it to a father's
en up and sent him home to be with to afford the trip. But of course I went burial, the very thing we naturally give
his family. He got word to each of anyway. Dad's death had first priority. first priority He had picked the thing that
his four children that he wanted us to was the most plausible excuse possible
come. I was living in Texas and he was It was then that, for the first time, I re­ for neglecting preaching and proclama­
in Oregon. I couldn't afford the trip; ally understood Jesus' words in Luke 9. tion of His kingdom; He said that that
besides, I was very busy. But of course He had invited a man to follow Him, but excuse was not good enough. In other
I went anyway. Dad had first priority. the fellow excused himself by insisting words, preaching must come before
that he must first bury his father. Jesus everything. With Jesus, preaching had
With his family around him, Dad replied, "Let the dead bury their dead: first priority.
slipped into a coma. There was noth­ but go thou and preach the kingdom
ing more we could do for him, and I of Cod" (Luke 9:60, KJV). Jesus' words Jesus not only taught that we should give
left to fulfill a speaking appointment had always seemed a little heartless to preaching a high priority, it was cen­
2,000 miles away. Before my assign­ me, but now I understood. He wasn't tral to His own ministry. Preaching, or
ment was completed, word came that being disrespectful of family responsi­ proclaiming, is mentioned three times
Dad had died, and the family was called bilities; He was talking about priorities. in His Nazareth sermon where He lays
back for his funeral. By now I was really He had illustrated the importance of out His methods of ministry. "The Spirit

40 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 He had illustrated the

importance of preaching by

comparing it to a father's

burial, the very thing we

naturally give first priority.

of the Lord is upon me, because he hath a peaceful scene? The guide explained, Protestant churches. I listened to and
anointed me to preach the gospel to the "When they're full, they're at peace. analyzed 50 typical contemporary ser­
poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken­ When they get hungry, they'll kill." You mons. I was a bit shocked to learn that
hearted, to preach deliverance to the cap­ see hungry animals fight. If there's fight­ SDA preachers did not quote from the
tives, and recovering of sight to the blind, ing going on between your church mem­ Bible more than the average. Adventist
to set at liberty them that are bruised, To bers, feed them. Hungry animals get congregations did not use their Bibles
preach the acceptable year of the Lord" weak and sometimes even die. If church more in worship.
(Luke 4:18, 19, KJV). If preaching was members are growing weak or dropping
that central to Jesus' work, it must be out altogether, feed them. Good preach­ Later, in conducting preaching semi­
central to ours. ing feeds your people, keeping them nars for clergy of all faiths, I often asked
strong and at peace. how many sermons their congregations
Preaching is important to church leaders expected weekly. I typically got the most
because it is important to church mem­ Preaching is neglected by Adventists. It's votes for three—Sunday morning, Sunday
bers. A frustrated physician wrote to me not that we mean to. Historically, we night, and prayer meeting. Adventist con­
on behalf of other worshipers, pleading have encouraged congregations to keep gregations may expect only one or two.
that the one who preaches be "someone the pulpit at the center of the church
who senses the deep spiritual hunger we platform to symbolize that preaching is Actually, Adventism carries some built-in
experience. Someone who has a kind of central to our worship. But we may not temptations to neglect preaching. One
sensitive awareness of the devotedness have lived up to our intentions as well as temptation is that our message is so ex­
of people who come to church week we ought. ceptional that we worry less about tell ing
after week seeking food, yet too often it well. We seem to assume that the mes­
whose efforts are rewarded with scarcely My father was a Seventh-day Adventist sage is so strong that it's not too serious if
crumbs. Someone impregnated with the pastor. I literally grew up in an Adven­ the telling is weak.
vibrant meaning of 'feeding the flock.'" tist pew, always assuming that Adven­
tists preached more sermons than other A second temptation results from our
On safari in Africa, we watched from our churches, and that our preaching was having a monopoly on Sabbath wor­
vehicle as a pride of lions relaxed un­ somewhat superior and exception­ ship. If Sunday worshipers don't feel fed
der the trees. I counted 1 7. Some were ally biblical. Then I began work on in their church, they may start attend­
asleep with their legs in the air. The a Master's Degree and chose for my ing across the street at another Sunday
young were playing with one another thesis to attend the principal worship church. Sabbath worshipers usually
and crawling over the adults. Why such services both in Adventist and other have no choice but us. We dislike us-

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 41

 only clergy could be trusted to teach and
preach. But the fire of Pentecost went
out. Down through church history, when
only clergy were presumed capable of
speaking for the Lord, the church has
always grown cold.

Lay Preaching Women

Women have historically played an ac­
tive role in the mediation of salvation.
Deborah, Judith, Esther, Priscilla,Tabitha,
and Lydia are a few Bible examples. Paul
insists that Christ has broken down every
barrier that divides people, "There is nei­
ther Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male
ing the word "competition" in regards to All elders may not be preachers, but the nor female, for you are all one in Christ
preaching. Nevertheless, human nature Bible suggests that they should be "able Jesus" (Gal. 3:28). Romans 16 lists many
being what it is, a little competition tends to teach" (1 Tim. 3:2), and teaching is women whom the Holy Spirit had called
to improve the product. Communism's a basic part of preaching. Paul further to special ministries in the early church.
failure around the world has proven dra­ counseled elders, "Keep watch over
matically that, without competition, per­ yourselves and all the flock of which the But were any women preachers? We
formance deteriorates. Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be know there were women prophets in the
shepherds of the church of God, which New Testament church. For example,
Preaching is rewarding. It may be the he bought with his own blood" (Acts Acts 21:9 says Philip had four "daughters
hardest work you'll ever love. The sitting 20:28). Elders are shepherds, and a prin­ who prophesied." Paul insisted that a
down to prepare is difficult for all of us. cipal work of a shepherd, is to feed the woman must wear a head covering when
But when you step down from the pul­ flock. However, lay persons have a seri­ she "prays or prophesies" (1 Cor. 11:5).
pit knowing that God has used you to ous disadvantage in preaching, for most Foley suggests, "This reference seems to
help someone take at least a tiny step have had little or no training. indicate rather clearly that women not
toward Jesus, you thrill with excitement only spoke in the liturgical assembly but,
and know the rewards are well worth Lay Preaching in New since prophets, as we know from other
the work. Testament Times early texts such as the Didache, offered
Christianity began as a lay movement. the Eucharistic prayer and gave what we
Preaching is important. But what about Even Jesus did not have formal theological today call the sermon or homily, women
lay preaching? training. The apostles were working men prophets might well have filled these
whose only training was on-the-job train­ roles" (Foley, p. 66).
Lay Preaching Is ing. Yet Jesus set them aside "that he might
Important send them out to preach" (Mark 3:14; see Whatever reservations Paul had about
On any given Sabbath around the world, also Matthew. 10:7 and Luke 9:2.) women preaching were not because of
perhaps as many as 80 percent of Adven- some Christian standard regarding wom­
tist sermons preached are preached by A few decades later, clergy made a sharp en. Rather, he did not want Christianity
lay preachers—usually, but not always, separation between themselves and the to become unnecessarily controversial
by local church elders. laity. It was eventually assumed that by going contrary to the standards of the

42 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 surrounding society. When social stan­ Theologically, the Holy Spirit has placed in the con­
dards did allow it, God reached down Adventism Supports gregation. No pastor is good at every­
and picked women to speak for Him. Lay Preaching thing. Supportive congregations, instead
One was Ellen White, whom He chose to Adventists believe that every church of criticizing, find others in the church
be His special spokeswoman in the end member should have received the Holy family who can make up for the pastor's
time. Mrs. White never received ministe­ Spirit and that everyone receiving the lack by exercising the gifts the pastor was
rial training or ministerial ordination, yet Holy Spirit receives some gift(s) to be never given.
through both pen and pulpit, God used used in performing some ministry for
her mightily. Who is to say that the Holy Christ (1 Cor. 12:7, 1 1). To say we have Practically, Adventism
Spirit cannot do the same with other lay no spiritual gift would be to say we have Needs Lay Preaching
women preachers? no Holy Spirit. The SDA church is growing as never
before. It took us 107 years before our
Historically Adventism The three principal lists of spiritual gifts membership reached one million in
Began with Lay are found in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 1955. Now, we are baptizing a million
Preaching 12, and Ephesians 4. Among these gifts new members every two years. We have
William Miller, though never a Sev­ are those most helpful to preaching: about 20,000 ministers available to serve
enth-day Adventist, is considered to teaching, probably the primary gift for approximately 14 million members.
be the father of the Advent Move­ preaching; exhorting or encouraging; When we subtract those ministers in non-
ment. And Miller was a farmer! Born wisdom; knowledge; discernment; and pastoral positions, it's obvious that we
into a frontier farm family of 16 chil­ possibly even prophesying. don't have enough pastors to go around.
dren, he was able to attend school for
just six years, and then only during the The purpose of spiritual gifts is "to pre­ Lay preachers are needed, but they
three winter months when farm work pare God's people for works of service, need to take their preaching seriously so
was slowest. Becoming a farmer, he so that the body of Christ may be built they can preach effectively. Ellen White
began teaching the Advent message as a up" (Eph. 4:12). Peter says that each of encourages the lay preacher, "Thus the
lay preacher. Although he eventually re­ us is responsible for making the right use message of the third angel will be pro­
ceived a license to preach, Miller never of our gifts. "Each one should use what­ claimed. As the time comes for it to be
really left the farm. ever gift he has received to serve others" given with greatest power, the Lord will
(1 Peter 4:10). Laity given the spiritual work through humble instruments, lead­
Like many other lay preachers, he stub­ gifts needed for preaching are respon­ ing the minds of those who consecrate
bornly resisted the call to preach. For sible for using them. themselves to His service. The laborers
eight years he argued with God that will be qualified rather by the unction of
he was not used to public speaking, It is theologically wrong and logically His Spirit than by the training of literary
that he was not educationally quali­ absurd to assume that only clergy have institutions. Men of faith and prayer will
fied, that no one would listen (Knight, been given the gifts conducive to ef­ be constrained to go forth with holy zeal,
p. 43). But when he acquiesced, God's fective preaching. It is just as wrong declaring the words which God gives
calling was proven, for Miller's preach­ to assume that every pastor has all the them" (Great Controversy, p. 606).©
ing produced conversions from the preaching gifts.
very beginning. This article is excerpted and adapted from the
Laity given those preaching gifts that practical resource, Successful Lay Preaching
The list of lay preachers who joined Mill­ their pastors lack are responsible for by W. Floyd Bresee, Ph.D. The entire book is
er in preaching the Advent message is using those gifts in such a way that the available for purchase at <www.ministerialas-
almost limitless. church body is benefited by every gift sociation.com>.

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 43

 1852-2060
nn n_n
n n L
MIOM AMD WHBRE IT'3 ClCMMl

B o n

In world history, the year 1853 was James White organized the first regular munity outreach, Bible study, and for­
not particularly eventful. Buenos Aires Sabbath School in Rochester. In 1852, eign mission. A solid balance of these
gained its independence from Argentina, estimating an informal membership of elements characterizes the most vital
only to be reunited again six years later. about 1,000 in the state of New York, Sabbath Schools around the world. To­
The first train in Asia was completed in White had written a series of 19 lessons gether they comprise a rich program of
India—between Bombay and Tanna. A appearing in the new Youth's Instruc­ discipleship.
train of another kind, the Underground tor. He authored some of these earliest
Railroad, was formed by Harriet Tubman, lessons "in the form of questions and • As local members grow closer to­
a system organized to aid the escape of answers" as he traveled in a covered gether in small groups, they help one
slaves from the U.S. South through vari­ carriage with his wife and three-year-old another to grow spiritually as individ­
ous communities northward to freedom son, Edson, throughout New England. uals, to hold one another accountable
in Canada. One of the major stations Ellen White describes how he composed in positive Christian relationships.
along the way was Rochester, New York, much of this material during noon stops: Potlucks, picnics, socials, and a va­
which in the very same year was also the while the horse was feeding, he used the riety of other outlets bring members
location of a significant event in the his­ "dinner box" or the top of his hat as a into closer relationship with Jesus and
tory of Adventism. desk to write on. with each other.

In 1853, only a few years after the first From its inception Sabbath School has "Jesus, the divine Teacher, assured His
group of Sabbathkeeping Adventists was focused on four emphases that remain disciples of His love toward them. He
formed in Washington, New Hampshire, essential: fellowship development, com- assumed human nature for no other pur-

44 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 pose than to display to men the mercy, mission has inspired creative and ex­ improve and enlarge the church" (Testi­
the love, and the goodness of God in citing projects that have impacted monies on Sabbath School Work, p. 29).
providing for the salvation and happi­ the far corners of the earth. "God's
ness of His creatures" (Testimonies on people have a mighty work before The General Conference Sabbath School
Sabbath School, p. 39). In the family of them, a work that must continually and Personal Ministries Department
God, there are no outsiders. rise to greater prominence. . . . [They] provides a rich resource of creative
are not to cease their labors until they initiatives and activities to encour­
• Vibrant Sabbath Schools also provide shall encircle the world" (Testimonies age discipline of church members at
rich spiritual growth through an array for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 23, 24). http://cq.adventist.org/cooltools/
of community outreach projects: va­ cooltools.htm.
cation Bible schools, branch Sabbath The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, weekly
Schools, hospital and nursing home mission stories, and Mission Spotlight General Conference President Jan
visitation, singing bands, and a host have focused attention on ministry Paulsen has said that Sabbath School is
of other creative approaches to the needs around the world. In 1890 Sab­ like breakfast. For more than 150 years,
community. "The object of Sabbath bath School offerings were the sole it has provided the spiritual nourishment
School work should be the ingather­ source for the building of the Pitcairn, a that is needed to meet the challenges that
ing of souls" (Testimonies on Sabbath schooner used for ten years to transport arise during the rest of the week.®
School Work, p. 47). missionaries across the Pacific Ocean.
The heart of Sabbath School's emphasis
Personal ministries have always been an on world mission beats north and south,
integral part of the vitality of any Sabbath east and west. Gary B. Swanson
School, and members are ever seeking General Conference Associate Director
new ways to represent Christ in their Rooted firmly on these timeless four em­ Sabbath School and Personal Ministries
communities. The view from Sabbath phases, from its beginning in 1853, Sab­
School is outward! bath School membership has exploded
from a handful of believers in upstate
• The study of God's Word forms the very New York to an estimated 14 million
heart and center of Sabbath School. today. Worldwide, in fact, attendance
"The prayer of Christ for His disciples at Sabbath School each week exceeds
was, 'Sanctify them through Thy truth: that of the worship service. This under­
The word is truth' " (Review and Her­ scores well Ellen White's assertion that
ald, March 4, 1884). "the influence growing out of Sabbath
School work should
When members interact with Scripture
and with one another, they are exposed
to the everyday value of the Bible in
drawing them into closer rela­
tionship with Jesus and with
the world around them. Where
else can they go for answers
to the questions that oc­
cur to any half-awake
viewer of the six o'clock

'Zf^m
news? *,*!»' „•*•** ,%*",*»-.x* ^^r ^*"

• Throughout its history the fo­

cus of Sabbath School on foreign
<r *# j*jr *<<**>•• j*3ft
46 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006
 GRIEVE. LET IT FLOW. TELL GOD ABOUT IT.

Do you remember the old nursery rhyme they have left home; others grieve be­ about those who are departed. The New
that the children used to recite? It went: cause they can't. But whatever it is that Testament is clear in its understanding
"Hark, hark, the dogs do bark, the beg­ causes your heart to be heavy, whatever that God gives comfort to those who go
gars are coming to town, Some in rags the situation may be, the church ought to through difficult places. But in the stu­
and some in tags and some in velvet be a place where people can come to­ pidity of twenty-first-century America,
gowns." gether and grieve. we have a crazy idea that people are
never supposed to show their emotions.
Somehow I think that we have to be hon­ Early in my ministry I preached a sermon If anything ever goes wrong in your life,
est with ourselves and come to grips with on the subject of grief because my people don't ever tell anybody. The idea that
the fact that all of us are hiding some grief were going through some heavy difficul­ church is a collection of people who
underneath velvet gowns, manicured ties. Later in the week, I was confront­ have been victors in life is wrong. It's
lawns, beautiful automobiles, and mink ed by a gentleman who had heard the not even Christian.
stoles. These do not cover the deepest sermon and was livid with anger. With
pain in life, and let's understand that. fierce emotion in his eyes, he looked at I get terribly concerned with people
me and said: "The church is no place for who seem to think that because life
Some grieve because they never knew anybody to talk about grief." I finally re­ has dealt them a body blow, they can't
their fathers; others grieve because they alized that the sermon had activated his come back to the household of faith. I
did. Some grieve because they have unresolved grief concerning the death of wish that all of us could attend church
never made it in their chosen profession; his mother several years before. 1 think dressed in rags one Sunday so that we
others grieve because they have made it my friend did not understand the truth could bring into the open what we're
and have found that it's empty, and they of the Spanish philosopher, Unamuno, trying to hide inside.
stand at the peak of their profession and, when he observed: "The proper use of
like Peggy Lee in her song, cry out: "Is a Temple is to provide a place where Grief is a universal experience. You're
that all there is?" Some grieve because people can grieve together." thinking: I haven't lost anybody; there
they never had children; others grieve have been no funerals at my house
because they did. Some grieve because If the church is going to be anything, it lately. That may be true, and you may
they miss the hometown, the neighbor­ must be a place where we can come to­ somehow think you're immune. You
hood school, the high school football gether and bring our sorrows and griefs. may live in a big house that's half paid
days, being a cheerleader, lost youth, and In fact, as I looked at the Old and New for. You may command a salary that's
that those days can never come again. Testaments, I was overwhelmed by the greater than you deserve. You may have
Others, like old all-Americans, look over fact that we talk about Jesus, the man an incredibly good education, and you
their shoulders and, fondling their tro­ who was acquainted with our grief, who may be getting great advancement in
phies one more time, realize that bald­ has borne our sorrows. We talk about business. I am not talking only about
ness and grayness and stooping shoulders the Holy Spirit as the Comforter of God. those who have lost loved ones in that
must come to all. Some grieve because We talk about our not being ignorant ultimate difficulty called death, but most

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 47

of us hide things that are so deep we in anger you reach out and fight at the There's more there than the emptiness
cannot utter them anyway. world for what's happened to you. The of a life where relationships have been
last stage is a sense of hope where the severed. The Christian goes through this
I want the church to come to grips with cloud breaks and hope emerges. You with an understanding that God has not
the fact that the church ought to be a begin to understand what Paul meant abandoned him. I want you to view grief
place where we can be honest enough to when he said: "Grieve, but not as men not as ultimate pain but, hopefully, in a
grieve together. You may grieve because who have no hope." Christian stance as opportunity.
there's no feeling in your life. You may
grieve because there's too much. But As Christian people in a Christian com­ It is difficult in the grief experience to
all of us go through it. There are various munity, we grieve as those who do have recognize any good at all. Sometimes
stages of it. hope, for we've learned that the gospel it is only in a crucial situation like grief
moves in at a time of need. Look in the that the depths of our personal, inner
All of this is enough to drive us to despair, Old Testament, and you realize that when resources are tapped. We never know
to drugs, to drink in order to forget our heavy grief moved upon the people of Is­ the strength and sureness of our faith un­
minks and automobiles. All of this, when rael, God took them out of their bond­ til we have to search our very souls and
we come to realize the heavy load of age. You look in and see that when Job, measure our ability to cope with this situ­
pain that most people carry, is enough to brokenhearted and his body filled with ation. It is like a general in the army who
make us like Job, thinking about cursing sores, sat on the ash heap, God came in really never can tell how disciplined and
God and dying. When ultimate loss and and gave him a sense of hope. When well-trained his troops are until the battle
separation come into a life, as Granger Jeremiah wept over a country that he had is raging. Grief can either conquer you
Westburg has noted in his book Good lost, God moved in and gave him a sense or push you forward into new frontiers of
Grief, there are several approaches that of hope. When Isaiah was weeping over personal growth.
people use in attempting to handle grief. the burdens and sorrows of the Israelites,
he came to the place where he was able Remember that when God talks to the
First of all, when a person realizes grief to utter that magnificent cry, "Surely he church, He says things like: "He was
has come, there is a sense of shock. "I will bear our sorrows." despised and rejected by men. He was
can't go on. I can't believe it." Then a man of sorrow, acquainted with grief."
there's a sense of emotional relief when And Luke, the talented physician, un­ As one from whom men hide their faces,
maybe tears or laughter or another kind derstands God in the ultimate way when "He was despised and we esteemed him
of emotional expression breaks through. he says: "He came to heal the broken­ not. Surely he has borne our grief and
Then there's the third stage when people hearted." And I would say in parenthe­ carried our sorrows. Yet we esteemed
begin to feel terribly depressed, isolated, ses: "Not to congratulate the successful, him stricken, smitten by God and afflict­
cut off. Sometimes physical symptoms but to heal the brokenhearted." And the ed, but he was wounded for our trans­
move in. One study I read indicated early Christian community echoed Paul: gressions; he was bruised for our iniqui­
that 38 percent of the people in a certain "We would not have you ignorant, breth­ ties; upon him was the chastisement that
hospital were patients who had suffered ren, concerning those who are asleep, made us whole. With his stripes we are
a significant loss prior to their hospital- that ye may not grieve as others do who healed." Grieve. Let it flow. Tell God
ization. The fourth stage is a sense of have no hope." about it. Grieve, but not as those who
guilt. Someone says, "If only I had done are without hope. The church, the prop­
this" or "If only we had done that, then You see, the Christian is not immune er use of the temple, is to make it a place
this would not have happened." The from grief, but the Christian wants to where we can grieve together.©
fifth stage is a sense of anger. People turn bad grief into good grief. The Chris­
do not always follow this uniformly, but tian wants to go through the stages of This article is excerpted and adapted from the
there's a sense of anger when you reach grief with hope. The Christian wants to practical resource, Survival Kit for the Strand­
out. The doctor is wrong, I'm mad at pass through the pain of grief with un­ ed by Carolyn Shealy Self and William L. Self.
him; or the church didn't do something derstanding that there's more out there The entire book is available for purchase at
and I'm mad at it. Something is wrong; than the emptiness—the empty room. <www.ministerialassociation.com>.

48 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 The Church Elder According to a
MINISTER'S WIFE
We had recently arrived at a new dis­ the years went by, we had to accompany walk. Though I never confided this to the
trict, and my husband was mentioning him the day he left one of his own sons church, how good it is to work in har­
the names of the brethren who were the in the last dwelling place on earth, but mony and peace with all our brethren. I
elders of the church. the elder held firmly to the promise of wish to thank every elder of the church
resurrection for his son. for their prayers, and for the support they
They would preach when my husband offer each pastor who arrives at their
was going to be away visiting other Things apparently so simple repeatedly district, each one of them quite different
churches. Their phone numbers, home take place in our lives, yet they are deep­ from the other, but all of them called to
addresses, and personal information ly significant to our spiritual experience. do God's work in the churches.
were also recorded as very important.
But I not only remember these occur­ Your prayers are like showers of blessings
Standing outside with the luggage that rences. There was one church that was for the pastoral family—the pastor, his
had recently arrived, I observed as they very significant for me, especially on Sab­ wife, and each one of their children.
got organized and talked. I could clearly bath days.
see that these men were going to be a Your patience and tolerance are an en­
support to my husband. They were go­ As usual, I sat in the very first row to couragement to go on every day. Your
ing to be the ones who would give di­ avoid my children getting distracted. My advice, given in love, is a path that helps
rections, including where to go on visits husband was not always on the platform to trace the pastor's work.
to the church brethren, and what were to listen to the message from God every
the less dangerous times to go out. They Sabbath, but there was always a brother, Your example reaffirms our children to
would accompany him to the hardware a church elder, who would exhort us in continue being faithful to God, to love
stores for purchases to remodel and a divine message from the Bible. But the the church, and to learn that one can
build churches. And they would be the moment that would fill me with most commit himself unselfishly to a cause
ones who would stay with the congrega­ thankfulness was when he prayed for our that represents the truth, and that repre­
tion when we got transferred, and would needs, for the sick, and for the church sents our heavenly Father.
take care of the church that had elected families. Every Sabbath the elder would
them—elected them as local "pastors." include us as a family before God. Kneel­ What else could I say as a pastor's wife?
ing down, by his own free will, this elder
But what I treasure the most in my heart would mention our names and ask God Thank you for loving the pastoral family
is a deeper sense of gratitude when I re­ to strengthen my husband, as he labored, who arrives at your district, for trying hard
member some on them, such as the el­ set an example, went about his work. to get to know them, and for taking good
der who presented to the Lord my oldest When this elder prayed, my heart would care of their spiritual needs and encour­
son. He took the small baby in his arms, overflow with thankfulness to God, be­ aging them to accomplish their work suc­
and pleaded before our heavenly Father's cause I felt that in our Heavenly Father, cessfully.
throne of grace that He would protect we were real brothers and sisters.
and accompany that child throughout Thank God there are elders in our
his entire life. The same occurred with He felt the need to present us as a fam­ churches.©
our younger children. And while my ily to God because he knew that we
husband and I, as parents, were kneeling had to struggle against the hosts of dark­
down, the church elder, prayed pleading ness, and he wanted us to be victori­
for the pastor's son and for the pastor's ous. Many times these simple prayers From the South American Division Ministerial
daughter. What's impressive is that as would strengthen me in my Christian Association

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 49

 |s 11 p.m. The board meeting is drag­ just fine, but who can tell for sure wheth­ I've ever heard. Who cares whether the
on. The members are making an er it will hold up under all the traffic that rust or beige carpet looks good in your
artant decision, but Pastor Jim's mind we have in the sanctuary? I am sure that house? I move we don't get carpet and
iders. This would not be so bad, ex- it would look good in my house; well, for use linoleum instead. It lasts longer, and
[»t that he is chairing the committee. that matter the rust would look good in nothing is prettier than shiny linoleum.
my house, even though I wouldn't have We once had linoleum. Linoleum was
church board is choosing the sanc- it because I personally believe that it is good enough when I was a kid, and it is
y's carpet color. One group wants a too flashy. I am not saying that those who good enough now!"
bright rust color, the other wants a light want it are too flashy, 1 am just saying
beige. The beige group thinks the rust that it is too flashy for. . ." Pastor Jim immediately shifts from be­
looks too cheap, and the rust group thinks ing partially asleep to a state of high
the beige group is crazy to put white in a Pastor Jim scans the room. Most mem­ anxiety. There has never been a church
public place: "It'll be dirty in a week." bers look brain dead. Brother Boyce is board meeting without an argument with
famous for his soliloquies. The longest Brother Ebenezer.
Brother Boyce raises his hand, and Pastor that Pastor Jim ever timed was 20 min­
Jim reluctantly nods for him to speak. He utes. Brother Boyce goes on and on and Pastor Jim chooses his words carefully. "I
knows what is coming. Boyce is a won­ on and Brother Ebenezer interrupts. He agree with you a little, Brother Ebenezer.
derful soul who speaks without breath­ prides himself as a down-to-brass-tacks, 1 prefer to keep the old carpet one more
ing: "I believe that we need a brighter no-beating-around-the-bush type of per­ year and use the money for outreach.
color than the rust color, and the beige is son. He says, "That's the dumbest thing But our very last vote was for buying

50 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 Christian committees exist to find God's will.

new carpet. So I don't think opening it sions in meetings. The Presbyterian worked leader. Scripture does not say
up again is okay." Church is making big decisions about that they were a decision-making group;
church members' sexuality, and a little they individually attended to the people
"We never discussed linoleum. I say we church is making little decisions about under their care.
should vote again. Linoleum is a good painting the Sunday school classroom.
idea." Because Christians spend so much time The gospels relate how Jesus led the dis­
in meetings, it seems we need a Meeting ciples' as He made the decisions for the
Pastor Jim says, "All who favor using lino­ Theology. Any Meeting Theology must group. The group members followed,
leum, raise your hand." answer two questions: even when they opposed the direction
He was taking. The people had nearly
At first only Brother Ebenezer raises his (1) How did Bible characters make stoned Jesus and His group on a recent
hand, then his wife timidly joins him. church decisions? visit to Jerusalem. Jesus directed His fol­
But linoleum is voted down. Finally lowers to return, even though the group
everybody gets tired, and since Pastor (2) How does the Holy Spirit fit into thought that going back was unwise
Jim does not want new carpet, they all group decision-making? and that they would be following Him
go home. to their death. Yet they respected their
Church Decisions— The Bible often leader and followed Him (Matt. 16:21-
Walking home, Pastor Jim looks at the speaks of individual decision-making, as 23; Mark 10:33-34).
stars and wonders, "Why do we make in Joshua 24:15: "Then choose for your­
decisions in meetings? Why couldn't I selves this day whom you will serve." Only the book of Acts shows groups
visit the sick or do counseling or do any­ Scripture rarely shows groups making making decisions. Church decision-
thing? I hate meetings! I don't remem­ decisions. Americans view democracy making appears three times. The first
ber Jesus in committees. I can't see Him as a God-given right, but defending that time was after Jesus' death but before
saying, 'I hear a motion that we go heal position solely from the Bible is difficult. the Spirit descended (Acts 1). To replace
the sick by Galilee. Is there a second?' Judas, the disciples set up a guideline:
Then again, I'm not Jesus. What would Throughout the Old Testament, leaders The person must have followed Jesus
Jesus do with Brother Boyce and Brother issued decisions by decree. The patri­ from His baptism until His resurrection.
Ebenezer? Sometimes I wish I could archs firmly ruled their families. The They proposed two men, Joseph and
punch Brother Ebenezer's nose. Is the judges ruled Israel by the commands Matthias. They prayed for guidance,
Holy Spirit in this? I thought I was Spirit- God gave them. The kings ruled by mili­ cast lots, and thereby decided. This de­
led, not committee-led!" tary and inherited right. Advisers gave cision-making process blended intellect
counsel, but the decision always came and supernatural involvement.
The stars leave the questions unanswered. from one person.
Pastor Jim is too tired to care. The Holy Spirit and
One exception may be observed in Mo­ Decision-Making
Meeting Theology ses' appointing the elders as assistants.
However, these elders functioned as sole Can people who sit around discussing
Pastor Jim raises some interesting ques­ decision-makers dealing with mundane and then voting really be God's agents in
tions about meetings. Everywhere in matters. They used their authority to the twenty-first-century church? It seems
Christianity, groups are making deci­ make decisions that relieved their over­ that God could have found a better way.

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 51

 edge is God-given. Linking it with the A COMPREHENSIVE
Holy Spirit makes it divine. COLLECTION * 5
OF PROVEN
LEADERSHIP
The same reality exists when groups PRINCIPLES vl
make decisions. A public school board
makes decisions based on its best wis­ US$12.95
dom, using logic, experience, and the
available data. The church board uses
the same God-given process but adds an
extra, Spirit-filled vitality.
Catch A. G.
Daniell's
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revival and
Christian committees exist to find Cod's
reformation.
Why no more mystical wall writing or will. The group chair leads this spiritual $3.95 + 18%
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52 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

REFLECTIONS FOR A NEWYEAR

The start of a new year is traditionally "THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS Many times where we see tribulations,
known as the best time to make new WHAT THEY SEEM" God sees an opportunity to develop
resolutions or promises. Such measures our characters (Rom. 5:3-5). Where
become not only a guiding compass that This is a very popular saying. In the Bible, sometimes we see only pain, God sees
will lead life's priorities throughout the we find an account that illustrates this an instrument to cure our hearts from
year, but will also become a motivating truth. John 11 narrates the story that one something temporary (2 Cor. 1:4). What
factor that will give new meaning to life. of Jesus' best friends became ill. Lazarus we call a trial, God calls an oppor­
The beginning of a new year, for many, was dying; Mary and Martha sent a mes­ tunity to develop empathy for others
has also been a precious time to adjust sage asking for help. )esus' answer was: (2 Cor. 1:4). Where we see struggle, God
certain aspects of life that did not go well "This illness is not unto death; it is for the sees a laboratory for shaping and strength­
the previous year. Certainly, this is an ex­ glory of Cod, so that the Son of Cod may ening our faith (2 Cor 1:9). Where we see
cel lent occasion to make good resolutions be glorified by means of it" (verse 4). misery, God sees a pulpit from which
for a better life in the personal, familiar, we may demonstrate His grace (Phil. 1).
professional, and spiritual contexts. Nevertheless, in verses 14 and 15, Jesus What we call suffering, God sometimes
says: "Lazarus is dead; and for your sake may call discipline (Heb. 12:5-11).
I believe that it is an opportunity where I am glad that I was not there, so that
we can go a little beyond the simple you may believe. But let us go to him." "GOD DELAYS BUT DOES
resolutions and remember the impor­ There seems to be a contradiction in NOT FAIL"
tance of certain fundamental truths that Jesus' words. However, we find an im­
sustain life. There are certain expressions portant principle here. Good things and Here is another common expression. To
we hear every day, and although they are bad things may often have similarities better illustrate, let's go back to the ac­
not absolute truths, they teach practical or look alike. But no matter how bad count of John 11. Jesus receives the news
lessons that may help us in the 365 days things may look, we must trust that God that his friend is sick and needs urgent
we have before us. is working on something good for us. help. Lazarus was dying; Jesus, however,

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 53

"stayed two days longer in the place • Delays of mercy: This might mean that In these cases, trusting is the best and
where he was" (verse 6). Doesn't this Cod is giving you time for repentance. wisest attitude.
sound bad to you? What kind of friend It is also possible that He is keeping the
delays so much? How would you feel if knowledge of something that now should When life puts you in a difficult situation
you needed help from a friend on Mon­ not be revealed. this year, remember that God's silence
day and he came on Thursday? does not mean inactivity from Him. "Si­
• Delays for the development of our lence" or "delay" may seem painful, but
Why was Jesus late? The answer is sim­ faith: One of the hardest moments in it is sometimes necessary.
ple: "I don't know." But we know Jesus' Christian life is when we feel silence
character; we know that it was certainly from God. At times God wants to see "THE BEST TIME TO DO THE
for a good reason. how much we trust His Word, although RIGHT THING IS NOW"
evidences seem to be against us.
Are you also waiting for something in Two days later, Jesus told his disciples
life? Is the answer to your prayer de­ • Delays waiting for an opportunity: "Let's go into ]udea again" (verse 7). The
layed? Perhaps words of encouragement Sometimes God waits until we are calm, disciples didn't think this was a good idea
and recognition never seem to reach so He can work with us. Our problems or good timing. The last time Jesus went to
you. There is no doubt that these are the may be a great opportunity for God to act Judea, some Jews tried to kill Him (verse
hardest moments in life. Many times we in our life. 8). So they advised the Lord that it would
are tempted to think that God doesn't be best to stay away from there.
care about us, and we get discouraged, • Delays for the preparation: The delay
thinking that our problems are insignifi­ may be a divine strategy in preparing us Jesus answered them with, difficult
cant for the Lord. When we think that, for certain circumstances of life. Some­ words: "Are there not twelve hours in the
we miss the opportunity to understand times we ask for things that we are not day? If any one walks in the day, he does
that Cod's apparent "delays" are always ready to receive. not stumble, because he sees the light of
there to develop something in us, never this world. But if any one walks in the
to discourage us. • Delays that go beyond human com­ night, he stumbles, because the light is
prehension: The Bible says that God's not in him" (verses 9 and 10).
Consider some reasons why Cod may ways are many times inscrutable. There
delay or be silent about some aspect of are moments, as in the case of the patri­ These words are difficult to interpret. We
your life: arch Job, when no explanation is given. may do things best when we see where

54 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 THE YEAR OF 2006 OFFERS EACH ONE
OF us NEW PQ5S16WJTIES AND OPPORTUNITIES.
9WfP«^P^PP*f'^iPJPJ!S;-' TPP^fl^P 'TflP^^F W ™ijf<

we are going. We'll certainly save time cepts, we resist obeying Him. For in­ we may die with him" (verse 16). How
when we work in daylight. Consider the stance, we know that the Lord asks 10 many times do we identify ourselves
fact that, in Bible times, there was no percent of our income (tithe) for Himself, with Thomas? How many times do we
electricity. but because we have other financial re­ assume negative and pessimistic attitudes
sponsibilities, we resist obeying this pre­ in life, therefore missing the possibility of
The difficult task here is to understand cept. Jesus is trying to tell us that if we contemplating a miracle or blessing! Al­
what Jesus was trying to say with such don't do what's right today, we'll end up though life puts us in complex situations,
words in the context of Lazarus' death, stumbling in the dark tomorrow. we may choose to behold the future with
and what the words mean to us today. I confidence and hope.
believe Jesus was saying to the disciples The Bible also tells us that we need to
that He only had the daylight and that He forgive those who offend us. But if we do The year 2005 is gone, and a new year is
needed to use it doing the work His Father not desire to forgive our brother, we run before us. Let us not waste this precious
had given Him. In the spiritual context, to the risk of stumbling in the dark. In other time looking back, cultivating frustration
walk in the light means to be obedient to words, do not leave for tomorrow that for things that should have been done
the Father. John presents this truth when which should be done today. but weren't. The year 2006 offers each
he says: "If we say we have fellowship one of us new possibilities and oppor­
with him while we walk in darkness, we "YOU SEE WHAT YOU tunities. It is up to us to choose how to
lie and do not live according to the truth; IMAGINE" live and what to do for God and for oth­
but if we walk in the light, as he is in the ers. Let us remember, God is in control.
light, we have fellowship with one anoth­ The disciples did not want to go back He loves us and never makes mistakes.
er, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses to Judea. When Jesus said that Lazarus Let us trust Him, do His will, and allow
us from all sin" (1 John 1:6, 7). had fallen asleep, they thought this was Him to continue accomplishing the work
a good sign and that Lazarus was get­ He began in us one day, and we'll surely
How do we apply this to our lives? Very ting better. Of course, if he was getting have a happy 2006.©
simple: The wise person uses the time better, there was no need to go to Judea,
granted in this life to do what God asks right? No, wrong! Then Jesus explained,
him to accomplish. In the Bible we find "He is dead."
clear instructions about God's will. The
problem is that sometimes, because we It is interesting what Thomas, also known
have objections to observing such pre­ as Didymus, says: "Let us also go, that General Conference Ministerial Association.

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 55

 V \,

Whicl

In the United States we have an abun­ try to reflect the thought they think the course for me points to the mountain
dance of Bible versions. We could easily Bible writers were trying to convey. To tops of glorious ecstasyor to the valleys
list 100 versions that have been translat­ do this, difficult passages are smoothed of human suffering,He is by my side, He
ed into English. To help you sort through over according to what seems best to the is ever present with me.
what you may find on the shelf of your translator. However, if the translator be­
local bookstore, the following descrip­ lieves the righteous dead are now alive Other dynamic versions and paraphras­
tions are offered. in heaven and the unrighteous dead are es include the Good News Bible, also
now suffering in hell, that person's be­ called Today's English Version. (1966,
Versions: Formal and liefs will obviously color how the text is 1976); The Living Bible (1971); The
Dynamic presented. Dynamic versions are very New Century Version (1987); The Clear
useful, especially for devotional purpos­ Word (1994); and Cod's Word (1955),
Versions of the Bible are basically divided es, but the speaker should avoid their use to name only a few. The preface should
into two groups: the formal and the dy­ for doctrinal study or pulpit use. tell you if you are reading a translation
namic. The formal translation group tries or a paraphrase.
to reflect the ancient manuscripts word Dynamic versions vary from conser­
for word whenever possible. These at­ vative to outright paraphrases (which Other versions of note include the Jeru­
tempt to be extremely accurate and leave can be a loose rewriting of the Bible). salem Bible (1966), a Catholic Bible in
any questionable words or passages for An example is Psalms/Now by Leslie common English with explanatory notes;
the reader to decide which is best. Un­ F. Brandt, first published in 1973. The the New World Translation (1961), a
fortunately these versions are not always author's preface states, "These offerings Jehovah's Witness Bible; the New Jew­
very readable. They include: The New are by no means an attempt to be schol­ ish Bible (1962); and the New American
American Standard Bible (1960) and The arly or textual. I am expressing what S/fa/e(1970), an American Catholic Bible
New Revised Standard Version (1989). the psalmist might be saying if he were translated from the original languages.
Some scholars feel that The New Ameri­ living in the twentieth century." Brandt's Prominent Adventist theologian Frank
can Standard Bible (1971) is probably the paraphrase has a modern up-to-date Holbrook notes, "It ought to be noted that
most accurate translation yet produced. sound to its use of words. all the basic truths of Scripture—includ­
However its accuracy does not make it ing the Sabbath, Ten Commandments,
easy to read, especially from the pulpit. His version of the 23 rd Psalm begins: and Second Coming—can be taught
from Catholic Bibles. But there will be
The second group of versions are re­ The Lord is my companion. There is no a contradiction on the state of the dead
ferred to as dynamic. These translations need that He cannot fulfill.Whether His because the Catholic Old Testament con-

56 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

tains a group of writings known as the been checked by experts and reads well. have removed most of their objectionable
Apocrypha, which supports the belief in Revised English Bible (REB) features, such as the Catholic interpreta­
the immortality of the soul." tions in the notes.
This is a revision of the New English
Sakae Kubo, retired professor and emi­ Bible (1970), which was the work of the The King James Version (KJV)
nent Seventh-day Adventist authority leading church groups of Great Britain.
on Bible translations, offers the follow­ Using modern British English, their trans­ The KJV is still widely used among Adven­
ing summaries: lation is fresh and spicy. However, they tist laypersons, and for this reason, you may
probably erred in some cases on the side be required to use it. It has excellent liter­
The New Revised Standard of being a bit too down to earth. One of ary qualities and may be familiar to many.
Version (NRSV) the criticisms the REB has sought to ad­ However, you should be careful to use a
dress was that in some of its readings, it modern version with it so that it may be
The NRSV (1989) is a revision of the was not dignified enough for pulpit pur­ clearly understood by younger members
Revised Standard Version (1952), which poses. The REB has improved in several and by new members who have no Bible
is a revision of the American Standard areas and can be used for pulpit read­ background. You should compare the KJV
Version (1901), which was a revision of ing, but it uses British English, which in with one of the newer formal translations
the King James Version. This version has some cases may not be understood by because the KJV translators did not have
had input from a wide group of schol­ an American audience. Questionable many of the early manuscripts available
ars representing all the leading churches verses can be checked with the NRSV or today. More recently discovered manu­
and is the most reliable of versions. the NIV. scripts provide additional information that
the KJV translators did not have.
The New International New American Bible (NAB)
Version (NIV) and the New Jerusalem Bible The New King James Version
(NJB) (NKJV)
This translation is the product of a wide
group of international evangelical schol­ The NAB and the NJB are both Bibles While the NKJV has modernized the
ars representing many denominations translated by and for Catholics. They are language of the KJV, it has kept the text
from the English-speaking world. It has both good translations and are similar to of the old KJV. Therefore, if using this
had general acceptance among evangeli­ their Protestant counterparts. The NAB is version, you should always check a new
cal groups. It has been carefully translated for American Catholics, and the NJB is for version to make sure you are not reading
and is generally reliable. Its English has British Catholics. Catholic, Bibles today something that is not found in modern

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 57

 Seventh-day Adventist Church has never
produced a denominational Bible.

versions. tians will miss the KJV's beauty of words

the language of the King lames Version is and expression if newer, more modern
getting more and more out of date. Over version are used exclusively. However,
time, words change their meanings. For there is nothing to prevent the speaker
instance, the word "prevent" in 1 Thes- from pausing and explaining and updat­
salonians 4:15 has an entirely different ing the KJV as he speaks.
meaning today. Now, we would use
the word "precede." Another example Perhaps in these days when an abun­
comes from Ephesians 4:22, which uses dance of very good translations abound,
the word "conversation," which meant there is a translation of the Word of God
"way of life, conduct, or behavior." Nev­ for everyone. Regardless, the rule is,
er once does the word "conversation" don't run ahead of your congregation. If
in the KJV mean the word we use to­ the majority is using the King James Ver­
day—speech. To update problem words sion and you quote from a newer version,
such as this, a New King James Version it will be very difficult for them to follow
(1979) was introduced. This version has along. The pulpit is not the place to try
become a respected member of the for­ to introduce new versions. Break new
mal translation group and can be a big ground in prayer meetings and Sabbath
help for bridging the gap from the old to School, where the people have time to Get a starter packet
the new. get accustomed to a more modern read­
containing 12 participant
booklets, resource CDs
ing and the reason for using it.
(PowerPoint presentation
In 1995, the American Bible Society
& Facilitators Guide),
released the Contemporary English Ver­ Finally, it should be understood that the forms and advertising
sion, which they refer to as" [having] Seventh-day Adventist Church has never packets. Everything
diligently sought to capture the spirit of produced a denominational Bible. Our you need to conduct a
the King James Version by following cer­ church uses translations that the gener­ successful seminar!
tain principles set forth by its translators al Christian world accepts. In the final
in the document." analysis, the truth does not rest on an
English translation, but on the original
Which Version? Hebrew and Greek.© order online at
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Which version is the best? There is no
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Version is used, the younger generation
will not understand much of the lan­ This article is excerpted from the prac-
guage and may think the Bible belongs to ticalresource, So You've Been Asked To
another age. Children, new Christians, Speak? A Practical Guide to Preaching
non-Christians and non English-speaking and Public Speaking, by Marvin Hunt. The
peoples may find it hard, if not impos­ entire book is available for purchase at
sible, to understand. Committed Chris­ <www.ministerialassociation.com>.

58 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 . -- -

Write to Elder's Digest

Elder's Digest is a quarterly resource for local Articles length Elder's Digest Magazine

church elders. It has been developed in response An average printed page in Elder's Digest con­ 12501 Old Columbia Pike

to a worldwide need for church elders who often tains approximately 750 words. Articles with Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600
fewer than 1,500 words are preferred. Seldom
have to take the place of pastors in multi-church
are articles with more than 3,000 words accept­ Phone (301)680-6512 Fax:(301)680-6502
districts.
ed. We do not accept articles which are simulta­
neously submitted to other periodicals. Sermons Email: Elders DigestOgc.advent!st.org
What types of articles does Elder's
Digest publish? should have up to 1,500 words. Remember that
a good article for a training magazine should be web: www.EldersDigest.org
The best way to find the answer to this question
is to read a recent issue. In planning an article, short, practical, and objective.

remember to focus it toward church elders. In

Adventist Preaching
order to be accepted for publication, your article
must speak to the Elder's Digest audience.

Our readers are on the move, busy all the time,

and have little time for platitudes or articles that
VOL 12
appear irrelevant. They enjoy being challenged
by new ideas or methods. They enjoy digging
into their Bibles and studying. They enjoy know­
attfiuf 'ti£-{e Comes
ing how other elders deal with problems. They
like to learn about principles or discover things
that will help them minister more effectively.

Are you qualified to write for us? YES! We would

like to think that anyone (even ministers) who
has practical experience or knowledge that is
valuable to elders is qualified to write for Elder's
Digest, if your material is interesting and helpful
enough, we are willing to do the necessary edit­
ing to prepare it for publication.

Types of articles we seek

• Articles dealing with the elder's personal, spiri­
tual, mental, physical, and social needs.
• How-to articles about the practice of ministry,
coping with problems, nurturing, lay evange­ Vol 12 Sermons
lism, and preaching. The Joy of Jesus
• Theological articles within the framework of Living Water
Seventh-day Adventist beliefs. James Gilley The Battle Is the Lord's
• Bible expository articles. Pastor, Dallas First Church Keep On Keeping On
• Sample sermons and outlines. of Seventh-day Adventists Thank You
• Articles dealing with church administration.
• Articles on family and time management. Former Division Vice-president James Gilley's return to pastoring
• Devotionals especially slated to be helpful to
has inspired the bonus segment of this edition. Pastors will be
energized and affirmed by the stories, and congregtions will be
elders.
reminded of their own spiritual leader's devotion.
• Articles on developing Christ-centered wor­
ships and how to plan all aspects of the wor­
ship service.
Bonus features
• Articles on what makes a good church leader.
Interview-James Gilley: The Man and His Mission
• Interviews with lay leaders who are developing
First Love: Retracing the Journey
good programs in the local churches. Jim Cress, Will Eva, Jim Gilley, Ben Maxson, ana Rick Remmers
• Reprints of articles from other magazines that tell their stories of voluntarily leaving a leadership
have been helpful to you as an elder. position to return to pastoring, their first love.

The main qualification for any article is that it

must be relevant to our audience: church elders
and lay leaders. We need articles that will en­
Order this inspiring 2-DVD series today!
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their ministry.
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 Whifrl
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60 OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006

 involving pastors and elders in the
SPIRITUAL NATURE OF CHILDREN

Linda M e i I in K o h

Christ's mandate to feed the lambs (John leaders to serve in planning committees • Prepare sermons that allow children
21:5) and to let the children come to where they can learn leadership skills. to participate by looking up scriptural
Him (Mark 10:13, 14) commissions the • Support Children's Ministries pro­ texts, giving an answer, etc.
Church to evangelize children and to grams by helping out in areas of pre­ • Include a children's story during the
nurture their spiritual growth. This com­ sentations, transportation, promoting worship service.
mission undoubtedly includes bringing of events, etc. • Incorporate 1-2 children's songs in the
the gospel to children as well. Ellen C. • Encourage leaders to try new ideas. worship service.
White clearly reminds us that "when Jesus • Provide budgets for them to organize • Have a variety of worship programs
told the disciples not to forbid the chil­ children's programs. (such as Children's Church) once or
dren to come to Him, He was speaking • Send children's leaders to attend twice a month. Celebrate Children's
to His followers of all ages—to officers conference-wide Children's Ministries Sabbath once a year in conjunction
of the church, ministers, helpers, and all training events. with the world church.
Christians. Jesus is drawing the children,
and He bids us, suffer them to come; as 3. Provide Protection for Children by 6. Organize Regular Child Evangelism
if He would say, they will come if you do Screening Volunteers • Try to schedule a week of evangelism
not hinder them" (Evangelism, p. 580). • Appoint a screening committee. on the church calendar.
• Assist with the screening of volunteers. • Provide a budget for child evangelism.
In the local church, Jesus is calling all • Do reference checks on volunteers. • Work with the Children's Ministries
pastors, elders, and local leaders to be in­ • Follow the guidelines established by leader to purchase a good program for
volved in this important ministry of spiri­ Adventist Risk Management for screen­ use during the evangelism week.
tual nurture and faith-building. In today's ing volunteers. • Allow children who got involved in
world, where children are flooded with • Support the ruling of the screening evangelism to give testimonies up front
ideas and values that conflict with those committee. in the church.
of the Adventist Church, it is imperative
that leaders find ways to help children 4. Nurture Passionate Spirituality in Children's Ministries should be a vi­
make right decisions about their faith. Members tal part of any Seventh-day Adventist
• Encourage families to conduct regular church. As pastor or elder, you can play
How can pastors and elders get involved family worships and to study the Sab­ a major role in helping the children de­
in helping children develop a loving, bath School lessons with their chil­ velop a loving, serving relationship with
serving relationship with Jesus? Here are dren. Jesus. You can provide opportunities to
some points worth considering. • Promote the importance of investing train and mentor children as future lead­
money by purchasing Bible lessons for ers of today and tomorrow. You can in­
1. Organize Children's Ministries in the children. spire your congregation with a vision to
Local Church • Encourage parents to buy good Adven­ lead and nurture children in their spiri­
• Appoint a good children's ministries tist books for their children. tual journey. Support their programs and
leader who has a passion for children. • Help to teach a lesson or two in the involve them in all aspects of church life.
• Set up the Children's Ministries Com­ children's division. Remember, building tomorrow's church
mittee with 5-6 capable individuals begins with today's children!©
who love children and have experi­ 5. Organize Inspiring Worship Services
ence working with them. for All Ages
• Involve children in worship by encour­ Linda Mei Lin Koh
2. Empower Children's Leaders aging them to do scripture reading, spe­ Director of Children's Ministries General Con­

• Provide opportunities for children's cial music, or collect the offering. ference of Seventh-day Adventists

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 61

From Pastor to Elders

Who's to Blame?
Who's responsible when towers

topple? In tragedy's aftermath,

we seek to explain the unex-

plainable.

Unfortunately, even some church leaders

plunge into speaking without carefully
studying the Word of God. Some have
even declared that God uses tragic events
to punish specific brands of sinners—lib­
erals, homosexuals, civil libertarians, and
abortionists. Such misguided individuals,
along with their dangerous pronounce­
ments, are wrong.

Scripture provides reliable answers: "There

were present at that season some who told
Him about the Galileans whose blood Pi­
late had mingled with their sacrifices. And
Jesus answered and said to them, 'Do you
suppose that these Galileans were worse
sinners than all other Galileans, because
they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but
unless you repent you will all likewise per­
ish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower
in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think
that they were worse sinners than all other
men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no;
but unless you repent you will all likewise
perish'" (Luke 13:1-5 NKJV).

2 0 05 / MA RC H 2006
 God does not use Satan's terrorist tactics
Beware jumping to quick conclusions. tunistically defines the terms of debate. One who is infinite in wisdom, in power,
Enquiring minds might leap to at least In rushing to pronounce God's wrath on and in love... .It is impossible to explain
three possible conclusions, only one of your sin, I ignore His wrath on my own. the origin of sin so as to give a reason
which is biblically valid. I presumptuously compare my strengths for its existence. Yet enough may be
with your weaknesses, like the man who understood concerning both the origin
1. Sometimes towers fall. Even solid-ap­ prayed, 'God, I thank You that I am not and the final disposition of sin to make
pearing buildings might disguise engi­ like other men.' I even abuse prayer in fully manifest the justice and benevo­
neering defects which collapse the whole self-congratulation. However, contrast lence of God in all His dealings with
building. This seems to be the case when my faults with your strong points, and I evil. Nothing is more plainly taught in
the tower of Siloam fell and killed 18 do not appear so pious." Scripture than that God was in no wise
people. Insurance policies call random responsible for the entrance of sin; that
tragedies "acts of God" when structural 3. An enemy hath done this. This is the there was no arbitrary withdrawal of di­
insufficiency may be to blame. Clearly conclusion of Scripture. Galileans wor­ vine grace, no deficiency in the divine
this is not what happened in New York shipers had been murdered by the terror­ government, that gave occasion for the
City. The destruction of the twin tow­ ist, Pilate. Did this tragedy come about uprising of rebellion. Sin is an intruder
ers was not the consequence of shoddy because they were worse than other for whose presence no reason can be
workmanship. sinners? Jesus says, "I tell you, No!" given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to
Answering the question of ultimate excuse it is to defend it. Could excuse
2. God's wrath targets certain brands responsibility for evil, Jesus says, "The for it be found, or cause be shown for its
of sinners. Equally erroneous is the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The existence, it would cease to be sin. Our
conclusion that Cod is punishing some enemy who sowed them is the devil" only definition of sin is that vein in the
sinners who are worse than others. Jesus (Matt. 13:38b, 39). word of God; it is "the transgression of
allows nonesuch when He twice que­ the law;" it is the outworking of a prin­
ries, "Do you suppose they were worse God does not use Satan's terrorist tac­ ciple at war with the great law of love
sinners than all other men?" Scripture tics. Jesus warns of rebellion's final con­ which is the foundation of the divine
provides no offensiveness scale defin­ sequence. "Unless you repent, you will government" (GC 492, 493).
ing categories of sinners. All sin is of­ all likewise perish." But Scripture relent­
fensive to Cod's holiness. Just as God lessly affirms, "God is not willing that Rather than rushing to pronounce God's
hates all sin, He loves every sinner. any should perish, but that all should judgment, we would better proclaim His
come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). love so that whosoever believes in Him
As Myron Augsburger says, "Men are should not perish but have everlasting
all alike sinners, but not sinners alike." "To many minds, the origin of sin and
Those who categorize some types of the reason for its existence are a source
offenders as especially deserving pun­ of great perplexity. They see the work of
ishment misread the Bible. This false evil, with its terrible results of woe and JAMES A. CRESS
logic is so appealing because the first desolation, and they question how all General Conference Ministerial Association
preacher to declare God's intent oppor­ this can exist under the sovereignty of Secretary

OCTOBER 2005/MARCH 2006 63

 PLAN WJO
Participate^ *
In a few weeks, Pastor Shawn Boonstra will j,
present the truth of Revelation in a new, Sign up as a host church at
full-message, satellite evangelistic series, www.unlockthesigns.com/host
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„„,..___._„. This "graduate course" _. . _. .
, _.f .. . . ... Church Members
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, j i- r Explore the Unlocking the Signs
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. 0, • • u host church near you at:
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* , March 10-April 8,2006 at orufind * C^Q^J°^Y
I 7:00 pm EST/PST, 7:30 pm CST calhng: '-888-96-SIGNS
(Mountain times will vary). Plan to bring your friends!
Shawn Boonstra
SPEAKER/DIRECTOR This live satellite series will be available ift.bjjlJjjinglish and Spanish.

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